Kanger Valley National Park and areas around its periphery, Tiriya, Machkot and Darbha in particular, have become happy abode of different types of squirrels these days as from morning to evening their hectic activities steal the attention of visitors.
These squirrels live in their nest made in the upper part of trees and can be seen napping during the noon time.The most enchanting among them is Indian Giant Squirrel which has usual length of 14 to 16 inches with above 2 feet long hairy tail and deep chocolate colour.
According to villagers, this species of squirrel, commonly known as ‘Karatmusa’ in local parlance were not seen earlier in this area but for sometimes back they are continuously seen in abundance.
According to Kakatiya PG College, Cherlapal, Head of Biological Sciences Department, Dr Sushil Dutta, scientific name of the Indian giant squirrel is Ratufa Indica, a mammalian which is capable of bringing out different sounds from their mouth. These squirrels, weighing up to 2-3 kg, can take a giant leap of up to 6 metres.
The big squirrels live in pair instead of leaving in a group. They make their nest in the upper most part of tree in dense forest to save themselves from other predatory animals. The unique thing about this species is that one pair of Indian Giant squirrels make four to five nests within a
limited area and use them for different purposes; one for giving birth to their offspring, one as nursery for the young ones, one for taking rest by the adults while another one for other purposes.