Why it important to know?

• Recently ZSI in a study, projected that numbers of the Malayan Giant Squirrel could decline by 90% in India by 2050
• And could extinct if urgent steps are not taken.

Features

• Scientific Name:Ratufa bicolor.
• It is one of the world’s largest squirrel species that has a dark upper body, pale underparts, and a long, bushy tail.
• It is diurnal (active during the day) herbivorous, but arboreal (tree-dwelling) like the flying squirrels which is different from nocturnal flying squirrels.
• Three giant squirrel species are found in India and the other two are Indian Giant Squirrel and Grizzled Giant Squirrel which are found in peninsular India.
• Significance: It is an indicator species, provides information on the overall health of an ecosystem and other species. It is considered a forest health indicator species that reflect the quality and changes in environmental conditions concerning community and composition.

Habitat