The Indian giant squirrel, or Malabar
giant squirrel, (Ratufa indica) is a large tree squirrel species in
the genus Ratufa native to India. It is a large-bodied diurnal,
arboreal, and mainly herbivorous squirrel found in South Asia.
Indian Giant Squirrel
Description
R. indica has a
conspicuous two-toned (and sometimes three-toned) color scheme. The colours
involved can be creamy-beige, buff, tan, rust, brown, or even a dark seal
brown. The underparts and the front legs are usually cream coloured, the head
can be brown or beige, however there is a distinctive white spot between the
ears Adult head and body length varies around 14 inches (36 cm) and the
tail length is approximately 2 ft (0.61 m). Adult weight - 2 kg
(4.41 lb). [This
means that an average adult Indian giant squirrel is three feet long!]
Behavior
The Indian giant squirrel is an
upper-canopy dwelling species, which rarely leaves the trees, and requires
"tall profusely branched trees for the construction of nests." It
travels from tree to tree with jumps of up to 6 m (20 ft). When in
danger, the Ratufa indica often freezes or flattens itself against the
tree trunk, instead of fleeing. Its main predators are the birds of prey and
the leopard. The Giant Squirrel is mostly active in the early hours of the
morning and in the evening, resting in the midday. They are typically solitary
animals that only come together for breeding. The species is believed to play a
substantial role in shaping the ecosystem of its habitat by engaging in seed
dispersal. Diet includes fruit, flowers, nuts and tree bark. Some subspecies
are omnivorous, also eating insects and bird eggs.
Distribution
The species is endemic to deciduous,
mixed deciduous, and moist evergreen forests of peninsular India, reaching as
far north as the Satpura hill range of Madhya Pradesh (approx. 22° N).
Family Life
The Indian Giant Squirrel lives alone or
in pairs. They build large globular nests of twigs and leaves, placing them on
thinner branches where large predators can't get to them. These nests become
conspicuous in deciduous forests during the dry season. An individual may build
several nests in a small area of forest which are used as sleeping quarters,
with one being used as a nursery.
Reproduction
Captive breeding of the Malayan giant
squirrel, a close relative has indicated births in March, April, September and
December. The young weigh 74.5 g at birth and have a length of 27.3 cm. In
Canara, the Indian Giant Squirrel has been spotted with young in March.
Recognition as a State Animal
Indian Giant Squirrel (Shekaru in
Marathi) is the state animal of the state of Maharashtra in western India.
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