Subspecies of Indian Giant Squirrel – India Males are around 75 cm in length from head to tail (Head to body – 34 cm and Tail – 41cm approx) whereas females are larger being 78 cm in length from head to tail (Head to body -36 cm and Tail length – 42 cm approx)Įven the most commonly sighted Three-striped palm squirrel (Head to tail 30 cm approx) is three times smaller in size as compared to Giant squirrels. When alarmed, they have a tendency to freeze themselves or flatten themselves to the bark of a tree resembling a part of the tree itself. An excellent camouflage mechanism! Indian Giant S quirrel Size and Comparisonīeing the largest Squirrel in India, Indian Giant squirrels male and female vary in size from each other. They disperse seeds from their fecal matter, nurturing their habitat and restoring the ecological balance. Giant squirrels feed on fruits, nuts, jackfruit, tree bark, and even bird eggs. In a few months’ time, these young squirrels start exploring trees and soon become independent dwellers. The gestation period lasts hardly a month, and 2 to 3 young ones are born. Males stay with the female throughout the breeding season. They can be seen solitary or in pairs and are active during the morning and late evenings. A dark bushy long tail helps balance their agile body. Their underparts are creamish and the upper body comprises maroon and black coloration. Weighing less than 3 kgs, they can easily leap up to 6 meters between trees. Mostly arboreal and canopy dwellers, they build their spherical nests with leaves and twigs to avoid predation from leopards and birds of prey. These squirrels are called by local names as Vishal Gilahari in Hindi, Malai-anil in Tamil, Kendalilu in Kannada, Malayannan in Malayalam, and Shekru in Maharashtra, where it is also the state animal. These Goliath of their clan called Indian giant squirrel is a delight to watch. When visiting Satpura National park, look out not only for our celebrated mammals – tiger, leopard, gaur, deers, antelopes, and sloth bears but do seek the trees for an unprecedented mammal of the squirrel family.
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