Bhimashankar is home to the Giant Indian Squirrel. Pic/Adwait Jadhav

Good news is in store for trekkers and tourists visiting the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary in Pune to see Maharashtra’s state animal, the Giant Indian Squirrel. The state Forest Department (FD) has started nature trails to promote the animal and create awareness about the role of locals, nature lovers and the department in wildlife conservation. Sunil Limaye, chief conservator of forests, Pune (Wildlife) said, “The Bhimashankar wildlife sanctuary is not only home to the Giant Indian Squirrel but also has a rich biodiversity, and we want nature lovers to visit the sanctuary and explore the same. Four nature trails have been organised wherein naturalists will accompany groups and inform them about the biodiversity found here.” As per a past survey conducted by the Zoological Society of India, the 130 square-km sanctuary is home to 529 species of animals, including 19 endemic species of Indian birds.