The Indian giant squirrel or Malabar giant squirrel (Ratufa indica) is a large-bodied daytime herbivorous squirrel, native to India. It is called 'Shekru' in Marathi and is state animal of Maharashtra.

Malabar giant squirrel has a conspicuous two-toned colour scheme. The colours involved can be creamy-beige, buff, tan, rust, brown, or dark seal brown. An adult Malabar giant squirrel can grow up to 14 inches (36 centimetres) in length with the tail span of approximately 2 feet.

The Malabar giant squirrel is an upper canopy dweller, which rarely leaves the trees. When in danger these creatures prefer to flatten themselves against the branch of the tree instead of fleeing. They are mainly hunted by birds of prey or by leopards. To avoid the predators, they tend to build globular nest, comprising of twigs and leaves, placing them on high thinner branches. They tend to also build several nests in a small area of forest which are used as sleeping quarters, with one being used as a nursery.

The Malabar giant squirrels are very shy by nature and are difficult to spot. This amazing tree-dweller was spotted in the jungles of Masinagudi, 250 kilometres from Bangalore. I instantly fell in love with this timid giant and had an opportunity to capture it in a video frame for everyone to glance and cherish.

-Prashanth Bharadwaj