Overview
A rare Giant Malabar Squirrel was recently spotted in Chhattisgarh’s Barnawapara forest. This colourful, tree‑dwelling rodent is one of the largest squirrels in the world. It is endemic to India and is the state animal of Maharashtra. The sighting has excited wildlife lovers across the country.
A Surprise Visitor in Chhattisgarh
Forest department officials and wildlife enthusiasts were thrilled recently. A rare Giant Malabar Squirrel was spotted in the Devpur forest area of Barnawapara forest in Chhattisgarh. This squirrel is not commonly seen in this region. It is usually found in the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and Satpura Range. The sighting has raised hopes that this beautiful animal may be expanding its range. It also reminds us how rich and diverse India’s forests are.
What is the Giant Malabar Squirrel?
The Giant Malabar Squirrel is also called the Indian Giant Squirrel . Its scientific name is Ratufa indica . It is one of the largest squirrels in the world . It is famous for its bright, multi‑coloured fur. It has shades of black, brown, deep red, and sometimes cream or white. Its belly is usually pale. Its nose and lips are pink. Its ears are short and round. Its eyes are dark or light brown. The tail is long and powerful, often with a creamy white tip.
This squirrel is endemic to India . That means it is found only in India and nowhere else in the world. It is the state animal of Maharashtra , where it is locally known as Shekru .
Where Was It Spotted?
The recent sighting happened in the Devpur forest area inside Barnawapara forest . Barnawapara is a wildlife sanctuary located in Balodabazar district of Chhattisgarh . It is about 75 kilometres from Raipur. The forest is known for its dry deciduous trees, grasslands, and water bodies. It is home to leopards, sloth bears, wild boars, and many bird species. But this is the first recorded sighting of the Giant Malabar Squirrel there. Forest officials are now planning a detailed survey to see if more individuals live in the area.
Why Is This Sighting Important?
The Giant Malabar Squirrel is usually found in the Western Ghats , Eastern Ghats , and Satpura Range . It lives in tropical deciduous , semi‑deciduous , and wet evergreen forests . It prefers elevations from 180 to 2,300 metres . Chhattisgarh’s Barnawapara is not a typical habitat for this squirrel. So the sighting suggests that the species might be able to live in a wider range of forest types. It also shows that Barnawapara’s ecosystem is healthy enough to support a large, specialised rodent. Wildlife experts are excited. They want to study if this squirrel travelled from the Satpura range or if a small population has always lived there unnoticed.
Physical Features: Built for the Treetops
The Giant Malabar Squirrel is arboreal . That means it lives almost entirely in trees. It rarely comes down to the ground. Its body is built for climbing and leaping.
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Size: Total body length is 254 to 457 mm (about 10 to 18 inches). The tail is often longer than the body.
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Colours: Deep red, brown, black, and white patches. The colours help it blend with the forest canopy.
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Claws: Large, powerful claws for gripping tree bark.
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Paws: Broadened hands with an expanded inner pad for a strong grip.
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Tail: Long and bushy, used for balance when jumping.
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Jumping ability: It can leap up to 6 metres from tree to tree.
When threatened, the squirrel does not run. Instead, it freezes or flattens its body against the tree trunk. Its colourful fur acts as camouflage among the leaves and shadows. This behaviour helps it avoid predators like eagles, leopards, and snakes.
Behaviour and Diet
The Giant Malabar Squirrel is solitary . You usually see only one squirrel at a time. During the breeding season, a pair may be seen together. It makes its home in holes inside tree trunks . It feeds on fruits, flowers, nuts, seeds, bark, and sometimes insects. It is active during the day (diurnal). It spends most of its time in the upper canopy , far above the ground. It eats while sitting on a branch, holding food with its front paws.
Conservation Status and Threats
According to the IUCN Red List , the Giant Malabar Squirrel is classified as Least Concern . This means it is not currently in danger of extinction. However, its population is decreasing in some areas due to habitat loss . Forests are being cut for farming, roads, and housing. Fragmentation of forests makes it hard for squirrels to move between patches of trees. Hunting for meat or fur is also a threat in some regions. But overall, because the squirrel lives in many protected areas and national parks, its numbers are stable.
A Symbol of India’s Forest Wealth
The Giant Malabar Squirrel is a symbol of India’s rich biodiversity. Its bright colours and large size make it a favourite among wildlife photographers and tourists. When people see a Malabar Giant Squirrel, they are often amazed. They cannot believe such a colourful, big squirrel exists. It reminds us that India’s forests are full of hidden treasures. Every new sighting, like the one in Chhattisgarh, tells us that we still have much to learn about our own wildlife.
What Should Forest Officials Do Now?
After the sighting, forest officials in Barnawapara have been asked to:
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Conduct a systematic survey of the Devpur forest area to look for more individuals.
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Install camera traps to study the squirrel’s behaviour and movement.
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Protect the habitat by preventing illegal logging and poaching.
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Educate local villagers about the squirrel and ask them to report any further sightings.
If a breeding population is confirmed, Barnawapara could become a new protected area for this species. That would be great news for conservation.
Fun Facts About the Giant Malabar Squirrel