About the Malabar Giant Squirrel
The Malabar giant squirrel is one of India's most spectacular and photogenic mammals, larger than a domestic cat and coloured in an astonishing patchwork of deep maroon, cream, and black that makes it look almost painted. At nearly 90 cm from nose to tail-tip, it is one of the largest squirrel species on earth. Despite its vivid colouration, the squirrel is surprisingly cryptic in the dappled light of the rainforest canopy, where its colours blend remarkably well with fruiting trees and mossy branches.
Malabar giant squirrels are entirely arboreal and rarely descend to the ground, leaping up to 6 metres between trees in breathtaking arcs. They build large globular leaf nests (dreys) in the forest canopy where they rest during the heat of the day. The species is found across the Western Ghats from Maharashtra to Kerala and Tamil Nadu, with four recognised subspecies showing regional colour variations. Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary near Pune is famous for the nominate subspecies, which is noticeably darker and more vivid than southern populations.
- Look up — not out — when searching for Malabar giant squirrels. They spend virtually all their time in the upper canopy and their movement between trees is what usually catches the eye.
- Bhimashankar near Pune, Kudremukh in Karnataka, and most Western Ghats parks have healthy populations. Early morning is best when they are active before the forest heats up.
- Listen for a loud, chattering alarm call and follow it up — squirrels often call excitedly when they spot a predator, drawing attention to themselves.