Indian Giant Squirrel

Indian Giant Squirrel Latest News

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.

About Indian Giant Squirrel

• Also known as the Malabar Giant Squirrel, the Indian Giant Squirrel is a large rodent species native to India.
• More specifically, it is a type of tree squirrel. 
• It is one of the largest squirrels in the world.
• Scientific Name: Ratufa indica 

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Indian Giant Squirrel Distribution

• 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. 
• It is Maharashtra’s state animal and locally known as Shekru.

Indian Giant Squirrel Habitat

• It is arboreal, spending most of its time in trees.
• It makes its shelter within holes in trees.

Indian Giant Squirrel Features

• 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 are distinguishable by their striking, multi-colored hues. 
• 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.
• 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.
• Females are usually larger in size than their male counterparts by about three centimeters and have mammae for nursing their young.
• They are typically solitary animals, being seen only rarely in pairs during the breeding season.
• They can propel impressive distances of 20 feet.

Indian Giant Squirrel Conservation Status

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

Source: IE