Species · GBIF taxon 2437565
Indian Giant Squirrel
Ratufa indicaAlso known as Malabar Giant Squirrel, Shekru
Indian giant squirrels are spectacular, canopy-dwelling rodents famous for their striking multi-colored coats of deep maroon, purple, and cream. These agile acrobats leap up to six meters between tree branches in the tropical rainforests of India, rarely descending to the forest floor. They construct multiple large, globular nests high in the canopy, using them for sleeping, breeding, and nursery chambers.
ArborealColorfulDiurnal
- diet
- Herbivorous (seeds, fruits, flowers, bark, and occasionally insects or bird eggs)
- family
- Sciuridae
- threats
- Habitat fragmentation, logging, and hunting for fur and meat
- life Span
- About 15 to 20 years in captivity (shorter in the wild)
LC
Capable of delivering a severe bite if cornered; observe safely from the forest floor.
- Listen closely: Listen for their loud, rattling, metallic call that echoes through the canopy to locate them.
- Scan the upper canopy: Look up into the highest branches of tall trees, especially near wild fig trees.
- Watch the branches: Look for sudden movements or shaking foliage, which often betrays a giant squirrel leaping.