Indian Giant Squirrel

During the ongoing All India Tiger Estimation 2026 survey, the Indian Giant Squirrel, Maharashtra’s state animal, was recently sighted in the Atwan region of the Pune Forest Division. Locally known as Shekru, its sighting highlights the biodiversity richness of the region.

About the Indian Giant Squirrel

The Indian giant squirrel, also known as the Malabar Giant Squirrel, is a large rodent species native to India. It is a type of tree squirrel (arboreal squirrel) and is considered one of the largest squirrels in the world.

Its scientific name is Ratufa indica.

It is the state animal of Maharashtra and holds ecological as well as cultural significance in the region.

Distribution

The Indian Giant Squirrel is primarily found in:

• The Western Ghats,

• The Eastern Ghats,

• The Satpura Range.

It is distributed across several Indian states, including:

• Karnataka

• Andhra Pradesh

• Madhya Pradesh

• Gujarat

• Chhattisgarh

• Jharkhand

• Maharashtra

• Kerala

• Tamil Nadu

Its presence across diverse forest ecosystems indicates its adaptability within forested landscapes.

Habitat

The species is strictly arboreal, meaning it spends most of its life in trees.

It builds nests or takes shelter in holes within tree trunks and rarely descends to the ground. Dense forest canopies are essential for its survival.

Physical Features

The Indian Giant Squirrel is known for its large size and striking coloration.

• Its total body length ranges between 254 mm and 457 mm, while the tail is usually longer than the body.

• It weighs approximately 1.5 to 2 kilograms.

The squirrel is distinguished by its multi-coloured fur, which may include combinations of:

• White or cream

• Brown

• Black

• Red

• Maroon

• Occasionally dark fuchsia

Typically, darker shades appear on the upper body, while lighter colours are visible on the underside and the long, bushy tail.

Other distinctive features include:

• Short, round ears,

• Broad hands with expanded inner paws for gripping,

• Large and powerful claws used to hold onto tree bark and branches.

Females are generally larger than males by about three centimetres and possess mammae for nursing their young.

Behaviour

The Indian Giant Squirrel is generally a solitary animal, rarely seen in pairs except during the breeding season.

It is known for its agility and can leap distances of up to 20 feet between trees, helping it move efficiently across forest canopies.

Conservation Status

The Indian Giant Squirrel is currently classified as “Least Concern” under the IUCN Red List.

Although not immediately threatened, habitat loss due to deforestation and fragmentation remains a concern for its long-term survival.

Significance

The sighting of the Indian Giant Squirrel during the All India Tiger Estimation survey highlights:

• The importance of forest conservation efforts,

• The ecological richness of Maharashtra’s forests,

• The need to protect arboreal species dependent on dense canopy cover.

As an indicator species of healthy forest ecosystems, the Indian Giant Squirrel plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.