Meet the Indian Giant Squirrel: This rare forest-star spotted during tiger census 2026

During India’s 2026 Tiger Census, a rare Indian giant squirrel was spotted in Lonavala. (Image: X/@atlasobscura)

• Indian giant squirrel spotted during 2026 Tiger Census in Lonavala forests.
• Sighting signals healthy, undisturbed forest ecosystem near tourist hotspots.
• Squirrel aids forest regeneration by spreading seeds and supporting biodiversity.

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Deep in Maharashtra’s Lonavala forests, a flash of orange and brown caught researchers’ eyes. It was neither a tiger nor a leopard. It was the Indian giant squirrel. Spotted during India’s 2026 Tiger Census, the tree-dwelling mammal instantly became the star of the survey. Scientists say this sighting is far more than a lucky glimpse. It is a powerful sign of forest health.

Meet the Indian giant squirrel

This Indian giant squirrel goes by the name of "Shekru". This colourful, bushy-tailed mammal lives high in the forest canopy. Its vivid fur, acrobatic jumps and secretive nature make it hard to spot. Spotted during India’s 2026 Tiger Census, the animal instantly grabed attention. This squirrel is orange and brown in colour.

#Pune : Indian #GiantSquirrel Spotted During Tiger Estimation 2026 Survey In #Lonavala Forests https://t.co/TvJM9DnjSgpic.twitter.com/s68qDH2M21

— Pune Pulse (@pulse_pune) January 5, 2026

Why this squirrel fascinates scientists?

The Indian giant squirrel lives high in forest canopies. It needs tall, mature trees to survive. It avoids damaged landscapes. This makes it a natural forest inspector. If the squirrel is present, the ecosystem is likely thriving. Its colourful fur, bushy tail and acrobatic jumps hide a deeper role. This animal tells scientists how healthy the forest really is.

A secret guardian of forest growth

The squirrel is also a forest gardener. It feeds on fruits, seeds and nuts, spreading them across the forest. This supports tree regeneration, soil health and carbon storage. In short, the squirrel helps forests renew themselves naturally.

Surviving near tourist hotspots

Lonavala attracts thousands of visitors each year. Yet the squirrel still thrives here. This means some forest patches remain undisturbed. It also means conservation efforts are working. But scientists warn this balance is fragile, construction and deforestation can threaten it.

A symbol of biodiversity

The Indian giant squirrel is more than a cute climber. It is a living biodiversity signal. Its presence proves forests can survive human pressure. It guides conservation priorities and sustainable tourism plans. Sometimes, the quietest animals speak the loudest for nature.