The Indian Giant Squirrel
- Distribution: India (Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, central India, Satpura Range)
- Habitat: Tropical forests, deciduous forests, mixed forests
- Diet: Fruits, nuts, seeds, flowers, bark, insects
- Size: Body length 25-50 cm; tail length 50-60 cm
Appearance:
- It is known for its vibrant and variable fur colors, which can include shades of orange, red, maroon, purple, and black.
- The belly is typically cream-colored.
- The tail is long and bushy, contributing to its overall length of about 25-45 cm (10-18 inches).
Habitat:
- The Indian Giant Squirrel is found in the forests of the Western Ghats in South India.
- It prefers dense, mature forests with ample tall trees for nesting and feeding.
Behavior:
- Like other giant squirrels, it is primarily arboreal and spends most of its time in trees.
- It is diurnal, being active during the daytime.
- Its diet consists of fruits, nuts, seeds, and sometimes insects.
- It is known for its agility and jumping ability, aided by strong hind limbs and sharp claws.
Conservation:
- The species is not globally threatened, but local populations can be affected by habitat loss due to deforestation and forest degradation.
- Conservation efforts focus on preserving its forest habitat and addressing threats such as hunting and illegal wildlife trade.