Indian Giant Squirrel – Habitat, Distribution, Features & Conservation

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Indian Giant Squirrel – Habitat, Distribution, Features & Conservation

Indian Giant Squirrel

Context

During the ongoing All India Tiger Estimation 2026 survey, the Indian giant squirrel, Maharashtra’s state animal and locally known as Shekru, was recently sighted in the Atwan region of the Pune forest division.

Introduction

Also known as the Malabar Giant Squirrel, the Indian Giant Squirrel is a large multi-coloured tree squirrel species endemic to forests and woodlands in India
Indian Giant Squirrel is a type of tree squirrel.
Indian Giant Squirrel is Maharashtra’s state animal and locally known as Shekru.
Scientific Name: Ratufa indica

Features

The Indian giant squirrel is one of the largest squirrels.
Its total body length varies from 254 to 457 mm. The tail is typically longer than the length of its body.
These squirrels weigh approximately 1.5 to 2 kg.
They have short, round ears, a broadened hand with an expanded inner paw for gripping, and large, powerful claws used for gripping tree bark and branches.
Appearance:
- They are distinguishable by their striking, multi-colored hues.
- Its stunning coat, which can range in color from deep maroon to a mix of black, brown, and orange. This vibrant coloration not only makes it one of the most striking animals in the forest but also serves as excellent camouflage among the dense foliage, helping it blend seamlessly into its surroundings.
- The colors vary between individual squirrels. There is a common pattern of two to three shades, including white or cream, brown, black, red, maroon, and sometimes dark Fuschia.
- The deep shades are primarily seen along the body, while the lighter colors occur on the underside and the long, bushy tail.
Nesting Habits:
- It generally nests in taller trees
- It makes its shelter within holes in trees.
Diet:
- This species is primarily herbivorous, feeding on a wide variety of fruits, nuts, flowers, and bark. It’s also known to occasionally consume insects, especially during times of food scarcity.
- Females are usually larger in size than their male counterparts by about three centimeters and have mammae for nursing their young.
Social Structure:
- The Indian Giant Squirrel is a solitary and shy animal, often hard to spot due to its tendency to stay high up in the trees.
Ecosystem Service:
- The species is believed to play a substantial role in shaping the ecosystem of its habitat by engaging in seed dispersal.

Distribution & Habitat

It is found primarily in the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and Satpura Range.
Their ranges include many states, including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
These squirrels prefer areas with tall, mature trees, which provide them with ample cover and food sources.
It is found in tropical deciduous, semi-deciduous , and moist evergreen forests and woodlands.In general, its distribution is fragmented because it is intolerant of habitat degradation.

Behaviour & Movement

It is arboreal.
The Indian giant squirrel is an upper-canopy dwelling species, which rarely leaves the trees, and requires “tall profusely branched trees for the construction of a nest.
They can propel impressive distances of 20 feet.
When in danger, the Indian giant squirrel often freezes or flattens itself against the tree trunk, instead of fleeing.
This giant squirrel is mostly active in the early hours of the morning and in the evening, resting in the midday

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List Status: It is classified as ‘Least Concern‘ under the IUCN Red List..

FAQs

Q1. What is the Indian Giant Squirrel also known as?

It is also called the Malabar Giant Squirrel and sometimes described as a “rainbow squirrel” due to its colourful fur.

Q2. In which forests is this species found?

It occurs mainly in the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and Satpura Range within tropical deciduous and moist evergreen forests

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