Indian giant squirrel spotted in Lonavala Forest Division

During the ongoing All India Tiger Estimation 2026 the Indian Giant Squirrel Shekru mdash the state animal of Maharashtra mdash was sighted in the Pune Forest Division highlighting the regionrsquos healthy and biodiverse forest ecosystemThe wildlife survey which began on January 1 2026 is being conducted across all forest ranges of the Pune Forest Division to document the presence and population indicators of tigers leopards and other wildlife species through direct sightings and indirect signsAccording to forest officials the Indian Giant Squirrel was spotted on January 5 2026 at around 745 am along a transect line near the Tiger Point tourist area at Mauje Atvan in the Lonavala range while census activities were underway The sighting was officially recorded by Lonavala Forest Guard Ganesh Mehetre and Atvan Forest Guard Krishna Dethe who were part of the survey team at the siteThe Indian Giant Squirrel is an arboreal species that inhabits tall dense and undisturbed forests and is considered a key indicator species for assessing forest health Living primarily in the upper canopies of mature trees the species plays a significant role in seed dispersal and natural forest regeneration contributing to ecological balanceForest department officials noted that while the tiger census mainly focuses on big cats sightings of indicator species such as the Indian Giant Squirrel provide valuable insights into overall habitat quality ldquoThe presence of Shekru reflects a wellpreserved ecosystem with sufficient tree cover and food resourcesrdquo an official saidThe species has been reported earlier in parts of the Maval region and is commonly found in larger numbers in Junnar taluka Its recent sighting near Lonavala further highlights the ecological importance of the Western Ghats belt which passes through Maval taluka and comprises hills valleys and dense forest patches supporting a wide range of wildlifeThe incident also reinforces that forests around popular tourist destinations like Lonavala are not merely recreational zones but critical wildlife habitats More comprehensive data on wildlife diversity and forest health in the region is expected to emerge as subsequent phases of the Tiger Census 2026 are completedWhile speaking to MidDay Dr Sachin Anil Punekar Conservation Biologist and Founder of Biospheres said Itrsquos a good sign that the Indian Giant Squirrel Ratufa indica indica was sighted at Atvan near Lonavala indicating that certain healthy forest patches still exist and need immediate conservation action Protecting this dwindling species is important particularly for possible tiger corridors This arboreal species plays a pivotal role in seed dispersal and maintaining the forest canopy which ultimately supports big cats like tigers by sustaining their prey base and providing yearround water along migratory paths