Abstract

The Malabar giant squirrel is one of the seven races of Indian squirrels. Four species of giant squirrels belonging to the genus Ratufa in the sub family sciuridae are found in oriental region. The status and distribution of the giant squirrels are reviewed. The ecology and behaviour of Malabar giant squirrel, Ratufa indica maxima was investigated for a period of two years during January 1983 to June 1985 at Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Palghat, Kerala. The method of investigation was direct observation of the squirrels in the field and recording data by complete record method. Malabar giant squirrel, Ratufa indica maxima is a solitary, diurnal tree squirrel found in the wooded regions of the southern Western Ghats. These squirrels range in distribution from 300 m to 1500 m altitude. Malabar giant squirrels are primarily nucivorous (seed predators). The main interactions seen between the squirrels are mother-young relationship during the preweaning period. This study in Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary indicated that birds of prey like crested serpent eagle and black eagle are the main predators of Malabar giant squirrel