GRIZZLED GIANT SQUIRREL

May 7, 2019

For the first time, researchers have sighted nests of the grizzled giant squirrel at Pakkamalai Reserve Forests near Gingee in the Eastern Ghats.

About:

Scientific name: Ratufa macroura.
What is it? It is a large tree squirrel in the genus Ratufa.
Distribution: The species is usually known to nest in the Western Ghats in Southern India ranging from Chinnar Wildlife sanctuary in Kerala to Anamalai Tiger Reserve and Palani hills in Tamil Nadu. It is also found in Sri Lanka.
Conservation status: Owing to habitat loss and poaching, the species has been categorised as near threatened by the Red List and listed under Schedule II of CITES. It is also listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary: It is located in Shenbagathoppu, Srivilliputtur, Tamil Nadu.