- The grizzled giant squirrel (Ratufa macroura) is usually known to nest in the Western Ghats in Southern India ranging from Chinnar Wildlife sanctuary in Kerala to Anamalai Tiger Reserve and Palani hills in Tamil Nadu.
- But for the first time, researchers have sighted nests of the grizzled giant squirrel at Pakkamalai Reserve Forests near Gingee in the Eastern Ghats.
- It is an endangered species listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- The species has been categorised as near threatened by the Red List and listed under Schedule II of CITES.
- The above nest was found by a team of researchers and wildlife activists from Indigenous Biodiversity Foundation (IBF), a non-profit organisation while conducting a survey in the Pakkamalai Reserve Forests near Gingee when they spotted grizzled giant squirrels. Over 300 nests of the endangered species were spotted by the group.
- Several diverse and endangered species including the Golden Gecko, Bamboo Pit Viper and Mouse Deer have also been spotted in the Pakkamalai Reserve Forests. The government should immediately declare the forests as a sanctuary for the grizzled giant squirrel. (The Hindu)
