Art Integration Project: Diverse
Ecosystems – Fauna Adaptations
(Enhanced)
Page 1: Biological Classification and Habitat
Feature Malabar Giant Squirrel Snow Leopard
Kingdom Animalia Animalia
Phylum Chordata Chordata
Class Mammalia Mammalia
Order Rodentia Carnivora
Family Sciuridae Felidae
Genus Ratufa Panthera
Species Ratufa indica Panthera uncia
Habitat - Region Western Ghats, India Ladakh, Himalayas (3,000–
(evergreen forests, 700– 5,500 m elevation)
1,400 m elevation)
Habitat - Environment Moist deciduous and Alpine and subalpine zones;
tropical rainforests with rugged terrain, snow-
dense canopy, high rainfall covered slopes, rocky cliffs
areas
Climate Adaptation Thrives in warm, humid Thick skin and fur for
climates with seasonal insulation; adapted to cold,
monsoon; adapted to tree- arid, high-altitude
dwelling lifestyle environments with thin
oxygen levels
Conservation Status Least Concern (but Vulnerable (IUCN Red List,
declining due to habitat threatened by poaching and
loss) habitat fragmentation)
Page 2: Life Processes Table
Life Process Malabar Giant Squirrel Snow Leopard
Circulation Four-chambered heart; Four-chambered heart;
warm-blooded; maintains efficient circulation
high metabolic rate for maintains warmth and
active arboreal life stamina in freezing
temperatures
Respiration Breathes through lungs; Lungs highly efficient;
adapted to dense, oxygen- adapted to low oxygen
rich forest environments levels at high altitudes
(hypoxic tolerance)
Excretion Kidneys filter waste and Excretes urea; kidneys
excrete urea; water conserve water due to dry
retention optimized for climate and limited water
humid conditions sources
Nutrition Omnivorous diet: consumes Obligate carnivore: hunts
seasonal fruits, nuts, bharal, ibex, marmots,
flowers, tree bark, and pikas, hares; can go days
occasionally insects without eating after large
kill
Thermoregulation Regulates body Thick fur, compact body
temperature through shape reduces heat loss; can
behavioral adaptation like survive up to -40°C
resting in shade
Page 3: Adaptations and Environment
Feature Category Malabar Giant Squirrel Snow Leopard
Adaptation Feature Colorful fur blends with Thick fur for warmth;
canopy shadows; long tail powerful limbs and wide
aids in balance while paws act like natural
jumping snowshoes
Physical Environment Dense treetops of Western Mountainous terrain with
Ghats; avoids forest floor cliffs and snow fields;
due to predators territory ranges up to 100
square kilometers
Behavioral Adaptation Diurnal; builds spherical Solitary and elusive;
leaf nests high in trees; uses crepuscular/nocturnal;
alarm calls to warn others communicates using scent
marks and vocalizations
Survival Strategy Uses leaping agility and Stealthy hunting; relies on
canopy cover for predator camouflage, strength, and
evasion and food foraging ambush techniques
Energy Conservation Reduces activity during hot Low metabolic rate helps
afternoons and rainy days survive food scarcity and
extreme cold
Page 4: Physical Characteristics
Feature Category Malabar Giant Squirrel Snow Leopard
Size 30–50 cm body length; tail 86–125 cm body; tail 80–
up to 60 cm; weight: 1.5–2 100 cm; weight: 22–55 kg
kg
Coloration Multicolored fur: maroon, Pale smoky-gray with dark
orange, black, and cream for rosettes and spots; ideal for
foliage camouflage blending into rocky slopes
Fur/Coat Soft fur; provides moderate Dense underfur with long
insulation; assists outer guard hairs; protects
camouflage in forest light from sub-zero wind chill
Tail Long and bushy; used for Heavy and long; used for
balance while leaping and balance, signaling, and
to wrap around body while wrapping body to retain
resting heat
Limbs and Paws Strong forelimbs and Stocky limbs; large paws
hindlimbs; sharp claws with fur underneath
adapted for climbing prevent slipping and
vertical tree trunks frostbite
Sensory Organs Large eyes adapted for Keen eyesight (can spot
color vision and movement prey from long distances);
detection; acute hearing excellent night vision and
hearing
