About the Project

The ZooTrophy Animal-a-Day project began on October 15th, 2013 as illustrator Angela "LemurKat" Oliver began working her way, systematically but selectively, through the alphabet and presenting, via social media, an illustrated animal to the world. Daily.

All pieces are drawn as 2.5 x 3.5 inch collectible cards, using a combination of polychromos and prismacolor pencils, along with other art materials. Many are still available for purchase ($10) or trade, so drop her an email if anything captures your eye or if there is an animal you wish to request.

It is predicted this project will take her at least two years to complete - with approximately 36 animals being drawn for each letter. She has also used the images to create a collectible hardback encyclopedia series, playing cards and a desk calendar, as well as the ZooTrophy collectible trading card game.

Thursday, November 5, 2015

#720: Squirrel

The Squirrels are various species of small-to-medium sized rodents ranging across the Northern Hemisphere. The most familair and easily recogniseable are the tree squirrels, characterised by their fluffy tails and arboreal behaviour. Many species, such as the English Red and the North American Grey, have adapted to the urban environment, and are commonly found in woodlands, parks and gardens. The Tree Squirrel is  agile and well-adapted to a life above ground. Her feet can rotate backwards, allowing her to descend a tree head-first. Squirrels mostly follow a diet of nuts, seeds, flower buds, fruit and fungi. She is unable to digest cellulose and will occasionally eat insects or meat.

The Grey Squirrel was introduced to the UK in 1870. Being larger and more robust than the native Red Squirrel, it has out-competed her in many areas and not outnumbers her by more than 100-to-1. This is not just due to direct competition, but also to diseases carried by the Grey.

Other Squirrels:
Chipmunk
Marmot
Namdapha Flying Squirrel
Prevosts Squirrel

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