Visit the Indian forest to visit the most colorful squirrel on the planet: picturesque

If you have the opportunity to roam the forests in the Indian state of Maharashtra, it's easy to see a giant squirrel.

They are nearly 1 meter long, possessing enough orange, black, blue, brown fur and the cotton tail is extremely eye-catching.

The scientific name of these special squirrels is Ratufa indica. They belong to mammals that work during the day, live on trees, eat plants, bird eggs, and insects.

The scientific name of these special squirrels is Ratufa indica.

The flashy coat is painted

In addition to the common name in the world, the giant Malabar, Ratufa indica also has the Indian name "Shekru" , the "gorgeous beauty".

Compared to normal squirrels only about 18cm long, Shekru is extremely large. They are nearly 1 meter long (including the tail) weighing more than 1kg. Not only that, they are also endemic to Maharashtra state.

However, the most eye-catching thing in Malabar squirrels is not the size but in the plumage. While other squirrels only have monotonous or striped colors, Shekru is extremely worthy of its "most colorful" title.

This squirrel is nearly 1 meter long (including the tail), weighing more than 1kg.

If you look at a Shekru in nature, you will have to wonder if the full color of the hair on it is . natural? It is strange that their fur is patchy like it was painted. There was some black about it, and there were some orange, the blue was very dark, and it was also reddish brown.

Self-posing as sun spots under the leaves

Shekru's tail is even more unique. It is extremely long, fluffy, dazzling and flexible, often used as a balancing tool as they move on tree branches.

Shekru's tail is extremely long, fluffy, dazzling and flexible.

According to the researchers, Shekru has such a furry flower because it is a foraging species during the day . Originally, the behavior of Malabar squirrels was hiding under the foliage in the harsh sunshine of India that nibbled on bark, fruit seeds or insects, bird eggs. They do not need to worry about the predators on the ground, but still have to watch out for the eagle to fly overhead.

If she realizes she is being seen by an eagle on a high "beam", Shekru will plunge down the lower branch, acting as if it were just a glimmer of sunshine. Indeed, with such radiant fur under the harsh sun, it was possible to deceive the enemy's eyes flying on the floor.

Overcoming the risk of extinction and growing strongly

If you want to take a look at a giant Malabar squirrel in nature, go to the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharashtra. The reserve has been planned since the 1980s, and has become the most secure common home for Shekru species ever since.

Previously, Indian squirrels were once listed as endangered species. But since 2015, they have shown signs of recovery. By 2016, the population of this squirrel has increased by about 8% after only 1 year.

Indian squirrels have been listed as endangered species.

According to survey data by Bhimashankar conservationists, in 2016, they counted 2145 Malabar squirrels. By 2017, the number has increased to 22,000 teams. But the number of nests does not coincide with Shekru numbers, because each giant squirrel can make up to 8 nests.

Still, the rise of Malabar squirrels is still the truth. Now, if walking in Bhimashankar's West Ghat mountains and listening to the gnawing high up, how do you look up at tourists when you see a beautiful Shekru like the bright sunshine eating in the foliage.