Үнді гигантты сормуйығы

Species of squirrel

The Indian giant squirrel or Malabar giant squirrel (Ratufa indica) is a large multi coloured tree squirrel species endemic to forests and woodlands in India. It is a diurnal, arboreal, and mainly herbivorous squirrel.

This species is endemic to India, with main sections of its distribution in the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats and Satpura Range as far north as Madhya Pradesh (approximately 22° N). In general, its distribution is fragmented because it is intolerant of habitat degradation.

The Indian giant squirrel is an upper canopy dwelling species, which rarely leaves the trees, and requires "tall profusely branched trees for the construction of nests." and the leopard. The diet includes fruit, flowers, nuts and tree bark. They may also eat insects and bird eggs.

The Indian giant squirrel lives alone or in pairs. They build large globular nests of twigs and leaves, placing them on thinner branches where large predators can't get to them. These nests become conspicuous in deciduous forests during the dry season. An individual may build several nests in a small area of forest which are used as sleeping quarters, with one being used as a nursery.

Captive breeding of the Malayan giant squirrel, a close relative has indicated births in March, April, September and December. The young weigh 74.5 g at birth and have a length of 27.3 cm. In Canara, the Indian Giant Squirrel has been spotted with young in March.

The Indian giant squirrel (shekaru in Marathi) is the state animal of the state of Maharashtra in western India.