The Indian giant squirrel, Ratufa indica, is a large-bodied diurnal,arboreal, and herbivorous squirrel found in South Asia Also called the Malabar giant squirrel, the species is endemic to decidous to mixed decidous and moist evergreen forests of peninsular region reaching as far north as the Satpura hill range of Madhya Pradesh(approx. 22° N).The Indian giant squirrel is an upper-canopy dwelling species, which rarely leaves the trees, and requires "tall profusely branched trees for the constructi
on of nests." It travels from tree to tree with jumps of up to 6 m (19.69 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 leopardsIt can be seen in lush green forests near bhimashankar temple near pune. The glimpse of shekru (marathi name for indian giant squirrel) will make you happy and you will be amazed to see it.Its a wonderful creature.
