If you ever get the chance to wander through the forests of Maharashtra, India, you might come across an astonishing sight—a giant squirrel of impressive size and dazzling colors.
These squirrels can grow up to nearly one meter in length, sporting a spectacular fur coat in shades of orange, black, blue, brown, and a fluffy, eye-catching tail.
The scientific name of this extraordinary species is Ratufa indica, commonly known as the Malabar giant squirrel. These creatures are diurnal, arboreal, and have an omnivorous diet consisting of plant matter, bird eggs, and insects.
A Coat That Looks Painted
In addition to its worldwide name, the Malabar giant squirrel is known in India as Shekru, which translates to “the magnificent one.”
Compared to regular squirrels, which typically measure around 18 cm, Shekru is a true giant. Weighing between 1.5 to 2 kg, it has panda-like ears, large feet, and strong claws for climbing. Remarkably, it can reach a full meter in length—twice the size of its American cousins, including the Eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). Due to its extraordinary size, the species has earned a place in the Guinness World Records as the world's largest squirrel. Additionally, it is an endemic species found only in Maharashtra.
However, what truly makes the Malabar giant squirrel stand out is not its size but its breathtaking fur. While most squirrels have plain or striped coats, Shekru lives up to its title as the most colorful squirrel in the world.
Although its belly and forearms are a creamy color, the rest of its body boasts a striking combination of orange, pale purple, and reddish-brown hues, giving it the nickname “rainbow squirrel.”
If you ever spot a Shekru in the wild, you might find yourself wondering whether its vivid fur is even real. The way its colors blend—deep blues, fiery oranges, and rich reddish-browns—makes it look as if an artist has painted directly onto its coat.
A Master of Sunlight Camouflage
The Shekru's tail is even more unique. It is extremely long, fluffy, and highly flexible, serving as a balancing tool as the squirrel moves through the treetops.
Researchers believe that the Malabar giant squirrel's striking coloration is an adaptation to its diurnal lifestyle. Since it forages during the bright daylight hours, it often hides beneath the dense forest canopy, feasting on tree bark, nuts, insects, and bird eggs. While it does not need to worry much about predators on the ground, it must remain alert to threats from the sky—particularly eagles.
If a Shekru senses an eagle hovering above, it will dart down to a lower branch, blending into the speckled sunlight filtering through the trees. With its radiant coat shining in the harsh Indian sun, the squirrel can trick predators into thinking it is just a glimmer of light rather than a living creature. It stays completely still, spreading its limbs and clinging to the branch until the danger passes.
From Near Extinction to a Thriving Population
If you wish to see a Malabar giant squirrel in its natural habitat, the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharashtra is the perfect destination. Established in the 1980s, this sanctuary has been a safe haven for Shekru ever since.
At one point, the species was considered endangered. However, since 2015, its population has shown signs of recovery. By 2016, the Malabar giant squirrel population had increased by approximately 8% in just one year.
According to conservationists at Bhimashankar, a survey in 2016 recorded 2,145 nests, but by 2017, the number had skyrocketed to 22,000 nests. However, the number of nests does not directly reflect the number of squirrels, as each Shekru can build up to eight nests.
Regardless, the rapid increase in their numbers is undeniable. Today, if you take a stroll through the Western Ghats mountains of Bhimashankar, you might just hear the sound of nibbling high above. Look up, and you might be lucky enough to spot a magnificent Shekru—like a radiant patch of sunlight—enjoying its meal among the treetops.
