Infographic representing the lifestyle of the Malabar Giant Squirrel. © Beforest.

The Malabar giant squirrel or the Indian giant squirrel, a charismatic being of our country’s wildlife, is the largest squirrel species in the world. Scientifically known as Ratufa indica, it belongs to the rodent family and holds great ecological significance, especially in Maharashtra, where it is commonly found in the Sahyadris, the location of Beforest’s Mumbai Farming Collective. Shekru is the endearing name by which the locals call it, and it is also Maharashtra’s state animal. Distinguished within the expansive family of squirrels, it proudly claims its space among its elite tree-dwelling counterparts, setting itself apart from ground and flying squirrel varieties. 

Habitat of Indian Giant Squirrel

Traverse the picturesque landscapes of peninsular India, and you may be fortunate enough to encounter this vibrant giant squirrel. Found typically in the Malabar region, gracefully intersected by the Western Ghats, this species finds its ecological habitats in the tropical dry and moist forests. From the Satpura range in Madhya Pradesh to the lush expanses of Karnataka and Kerala, these giants gracefully navigate both deciduous and evergreen sanctuaries, leaving an indelible mark on the diverse ecosystems they call home.

Size of an Indian Giant Squirrel

Size becomes an undeniable hallmark of the Indian giant squirrel’s identity. Towering at lengths of up to 1 meter, it eclipses its fellow giant squirrels—the black giant squirrel and the grizzled giant squirrel – and can leap to 3 times its length! Displaying an alluring array of colours, from black and brown to vibrant reds, with cream-coloured underparts and a tail that could rival a peacock’s plume, the Indian giant squirrel is a visual spectacle, effortlessly galloping the heights of tree branches.

How to Identify an Indian Giant Squirrel

Spotting an Indian giant squirrel amidst the intricate foliage requires a keen eye for vibrant hues and distinctive patterns. The rich fur showcases regional variations, with darker tones in the south and more vivacious shades in Maharashtra and central India. Beyond its visually striking appearance, its rat-like face and, more notably, its long, bushy tail set it apart. This tail is not merely an aesthetic feature; it serves a dual purpose, aiding in acrobatic feats on tree branches and functioning as a means of communication and expression.

Lifestyle of the Indian Giant Squirrel

The Indian giant squirrel embraces an arboreal (tree-dwelling) lifestyle with grace and finesse. Ascending to the upper reaches of well-branched trees, it thrives during the soft sunlight hours of dawn and dusk. Communication is an art form for these creatures, employing high-pitched calls, scents, and expressive tail movements to convey messages within their intricate social structure. Territorial by nature, they construct multiple nests within their domain, providing a retreat during the day’s scorching heat.

Their diet, omnivorous in nature, spans fruits, leaves, flowers, nuts, insects, and even bird eggs, showcasing a cautious yet agile demeanour in the face of potential dangers. Their diverse diet choices make them prefer landscapes with food diversity and abundance for all animals – landscapes like the Poomaale 1.0 Collective, which is a coffee forest reimagined as a layer of the overarching rainforest ecosystem in Coorg. Its neighbouring collective, Poomaale 2.0, is another place where Indian giant squirrels are likely to be spotted if you have a keen eye that can penetrate the lush foliage.

Ecological Significance of the Indian Giant Squirrel

Beyond its visual allure, the Indian giant squirrel plays a crucial ecological role. As avid seed dispersers, they are unwitting gardeners, contributing to the diversity and vitality of local ecosystems. Acting as an indicator species, their presence or absence is a vital sign of the environmental health of their habitat. However, despite their current status as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List, the population faces threats from hunting, habitat destruction due to deforestation, and various anthropogenic activities.

Proactive conservation measures are desirable and imperative to ensure these majestic creatures’ sustained presence amidst India’s forests. The continuity of forest stretches can dictate their habitation or the lack of it. Keeping the forest fabric intact becomes key to the well-being and conservation of not just the Indian giant squirrels but also many other ecologically important animals like the elephants that roam several kilometres of forests daily and the big cats with a broad habitat range. 

At all Beforest Collectives, we preserve 50% of the 100+ acres of landscape as a minimal intervention wilderness zone to enrich the existing biodiversity and build an environment of coexistence with the wild. These efforts not only boost our forest-friendly large-scale permaculture farming efforts but also bring the element of natural returns for the community of our collectives – one of the 4 returns we wish to bring to everyone linked to the landscape and help it prosper.

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