A trekker returning from a Sunday trek in the Maval-Vadgaon area came across an Indian Giant Squirrel in an injured and dehydrated condition beside a forest trail. Instead of walking past, the wildlife enthusiast took the animal to a local rescuer, helping Maharashtra’s state animal get the care it needed before returning to the wild.
The trekker handed over the squirrel to Nilesh Garade, founder of Wildlife Rescuer of Maval, who examined the animal and found it dehydrated with a minor injury.
Rescue team
. Range forest officer Prakash Shinde
. Forest guard Mahore
. Nilesh Garade, founder, Wildlife Rescuer of Maval
. Anil Andre, president, Wildlife Rescuer of Maval
. Wildlife biologist Jigar Solanki
. Team member Mayur Choudhary
Did you know?
Scientific Identity: The Indian Giant Squirrel, known as the Malabar Giant Squirrel, is an arboreal species
Habitat: Primarily found in the dense evergreen and moist deciduous forests of the Western Ghats, Central India, and the Eastern Ghats
Diet & role: Inhabits the upper canopy, feeding on fruits, seeds, flowers, and tree bark while aiding forest regeneration through seed dispersal
Agility: Known for leaping long distances across tree canopies
Legal status: Enjoys the highest level of legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Hunting or trafficking the species is a punishable offence
Regional names: Displays varying colour patterns across regions. In Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, it is locally known as “Bhimashankari”
Lifespan & breeding: Largely solitary, with an average lifespan of eight to nine years. Usually gives birth to one offspring a year
OfficialSpeak
Nilesh Garade, founder, Wildlife Rescuer of Maval
“While returning from a trek in the Maval-Vadgaon area on October 11, a wildlife enthusiast spotted an injured and dehydrated Indian Giant Squirrel and brought it to our rescue centre, as we work towards the rescue and rehabilitation of wild animals in the area under the guidance of the forest department. After a quick medical check-up, we kept the animal overnight, fed it, and successfully released it back into the wild the following morning.”
An offical, Pune forest department
“Timely coordination between alert citizens, Wildlife Rescuer of Maval and the Vadgaon forest department helped ensure the animal’s safe return to the wild.”
