Indian Giant Squirrel

Introduction

It is known by the name of Indian giant squirrel or Malabar giant squirrel (Ratufa indica). It is larger in size and multi-coloured thus very attractive for wildlife lovers. It is diurnal and arboreal by nature and mostly seen in Sal trees at daytime and late evening. It is herbivorous by it feeding habit. Here in Satpura national park, Sal forest is mainly found in Madhai safari zone thus its sighting is more frequent in Madhai zone.

Habitat

This squirrel species is endemic to India, mostly seen in Western ghats forest and Satpura range forests of Central India. Its prime habitat is in moist evergreen forests and woodlands. Here in Madhya Pradesh, we can notice its presence in all Sal forest national parks like Bandhavgarh, Kanha national park etc.

Breeding

Sighting

Indian giant squirrel sighting is often noticed in Madhai zone forest of Satpura national park. Although its sighting is possible in Parsapani buffer zone and Jamani Dev buffer zone also. Due to more frequent visit of tourists in Madhai zone thus more records are available for this zone sighting.