If you have the chance to stroll through the forests of Maharashtra, India, you may easily encounter a giant species of squirrel.
They can grow up to nearly 1 meter long, boasting fur in vibrant shades of orange, black, blue, and brown, along with an eye-catching fluffy tail.
The scientific name of these remarkable squirrels is Ratufa indica. They are diurnal mammals, living in trees and feeding on vegetation, bird eggs, and insects.
The scientific name of these remarkable squirrels is Ratufa indica.
Fur as Colorful as a Painting
Besides their common global name, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Ratufa indica also has an Indian name: “Shekru”, which means “the magnificent one.”
In comparison to ordinary squirrels that are only about 18 cm long, the Shekru is extraordinarily large. This colorful creature weighs between 1.5 to 2 kg, has ears resembling those of a panda, and possesses large feet with strong claws for climbing. Remarkably, they can reach lengths of up to 1 meter, double the length of their American cousins and the Eastern Gray Squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis. They are so large that they have been awarded the title of the largest squirrel species in the world by the Guinness World Records. Additionally, they are endemic to Maharashtra.
However, what is most striking about the Malabar Squirrel is not its size but its distinctive coat. While other squirrels may have plain or striped colors, the Shekru truly lives up to its title of “the most colorful.”
Although the belly and arms of the Indian Giant Squirrel are cream-colored, the rest of its fur is more eye-catching, featuring shades of orange, light purple, and reddish-brown. This unique appearance is why they are often referred to as “rainbow squirrels.”
This squirrel can grow up to nearly 1 meter (including the tail) and weighs over 1 kg.
If you catch a glimpse of a Shekru in the wild, you might wonder whether the colorful fur is… natural? Strangely, their fur appears splattered as if painted on, with patches of black accompanied by vibrant orange, deep blue, and reddish-brown.
Camouflaging as Sunspots Under the Canopy
The Shekru’s tail is even more unique. It is extremely long, fluffy, dazzling, and flexible, often used as a balancing tool when moving along branches.
The Shekru’s tail is extremely long, fluffy, dazzling, and flexible.
According to researchers, the Shekru’s colorful fur is also due to its diurnal feeding habits. Typically, the Malabar Squirrel hides beneath the canopy in the bright sunlight of India, nibbling on tree bark, seeds, or insects and bird eggs. They do not need to worry about ground predators but must remain cautious of soaring eagles.
If they realize they are spotted by an eagle above, the Shekru will swiftly dart down to a lower branch, pretending to be just a shimmering sunspot that has just vanished. Indeed, with such radiant fur under the harsh sunlight, they can easily deceive the eyes of aerial predators. They remain calm and silent, lying flat with limbs spread out and clinging tightly to the branch to avoid detection.
Overcoming Endangerment and Thriving
If you want to witness a Malabar Giant Squirrel in its natural habitat, head to the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharashtra. Established in the 1980s, this sanctuary has become a safe haven for the Shekru ever since.
Previously, the Indian Squirrel was listed as an endangered species. However, since 2015, there have been signs of recovery. By 2016, the population of this squirrel species had increased by approximately 8% within just one year.
The Indian Squirrel was once listed as an endangered species.
According to surveys conducted by conservationists at Bhimashankar, in 2016, there were 2,145 Malabar Squirrel nests documented. The following year, the number rose to 22,000 nests. However, the number of nests does not directly correlate with the Shekru population, as each giant squirrel can create up to 8 nests.
Nonetheless, the increase in Malabar Squirrels is evident. Now, if you take a walk in the Western Ghats of Bhimashankar and hear nibbling sounds above, you’re likely to look up and spot a Shekru, as brilliant as sunspots, enjoying a meal among the leaves.
