THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, April 20: A giant multi-coloured squirrel has been sighted in a tall tree in the Bareysarn range of the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR), indicating healthy biodiversity in the area.
Confirming the sighting, forester-in-charge Paramjeet Tiwary said that the exact location has been kept confidential. “Under the directive of the deputy director (south division), Kumar Ashish, the location cannot be disclosed as there are people who may poach it for food,” he said.
The giant Indian squirrel is an arboreal species, meaning it lives on trees, with tree hollows serving as its dwelling. It is a herbivore.
Interestingly, the tail of the giant squirrel is longer than its body, and females are larger than males.
Sources in PTR said the sighting of the giant squirrel reflects a positive growth in biodiversity in the reserve.
The giant Indian squirrel is also the state animal of Maharashtra.