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Indian giant squirrel

The Indian Giant Squirrel

  • 2 December, 2020
  • Critter Man
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Daily Critter Facts

While not number one in size, that goes to the black giant squirrel, the Indian giant squirrel (aka Malabar giant squirrel) is a close 2nd. These technicolor rodents can be found in the Satpura hill range of Madhya Pradesh and also Maharashtra, in India. They prefer deciduous and evergreen forests. These colorful critters are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, due to their abundant numbers.

First the Stats…

Scientific name: Ratufa indica
Weight: Up to 2.3 lbs.
Length: Up to 3 feet, including tail
Lifespan: Up to 20 years

Now on to the Facts!

1.) These pretty rodents are typically solitary critters that only come together during mating season.

2.) Malabar giant squirrels are crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk). But they can also be early morning diurnal (active during the day).

3.) They typically have between 2 – 5 nests located throughout their arboreal (live in trees) territory. 1 is used for rearing young and the others for sleeping.

4.) A group of squirrels is called a colony, a dray, or a scurry.

5.) The Indian giant squirrel feasts on fruits (their favorite being the Jack fruit), nuts, flowers, bark, eggs, and insects.

But wait, there’s more on the Indian giant squirrel!

6.) There are 4 known subspecies of Indians giant squirrels.

7.) When threatened this squirrel will freeze or flatten itself against the tree trunk, rather than fleeing.

Did you know…?
Indian giant squirrels are able to leap up to 20 feet from tree to tree!

8.) A male is called a buck, a female is called a doe, and a baby is called a pup, kit, or kitten.

9.) Females birth 1 – 3 pups several times a year.

10.) Their primary means of communication are scent and vocalizations. However, they will also twitch their tail to warn of danger.

11.) Like many other squirrels in the world, the Indian giant squirrel is friendly and approachable. They are easily befriended enough to accept food right from your hand.

Now a Short Indian Giant Squirrel Video!

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Learn more about all kinds of cool critters, right here!
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Critter Man

With over 45 years of critter experience to my credit and hundreds of zoology teaching hours to people around the world, I have amassed not only a continuing thirst for critter knowledge but a desire to teach others all I can about the majesty and wonder of our natural world. Critter Science is a culmination of such knowledge. I have hands on as well as book acquired intel on all kinds of critters. Whether they're on land, sea, or in the air. I will never say that I know everything about all animals. That's impossible, even for a savant. But, that being said, ask me any animal question and I'll answer it. If I don't know the answer, I'll get an answer for you!

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