Giant squirrels get a lifeline

Radhakrishnan Kuttoor
PATHANAMTHITTA,  
The Hindu, August 12, 2014 

The Forest Department has launched a project to protect the Grizzled Giant Squirrel, the smallest of the giant squirrels in the Indian subcontinent.

This endangered species is found in Kerala only at the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary in the Munnar wildlife division, G. Prasad, Wildlife Warden in Munnar, said on Monday.

The Grizzled Giant Squirrel population in southern India is estimated to be around 300.

Mr. Prasad said the department launched the squirrel protection project at the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, considering its rarity due to habitat loss and poaching.

They are usually 50-90 cm long, including its long tail, and feed mainly on fruit of the Calf Buffalo plant, which is abundant in the riparian forests along the Alampetty stream leading to the Pambar near Marayur.

The Munnar-Udumalpet highway splits the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary into two. The giant squirrel habitat along the stream is further divided by a bridge at Alampetty, endangering its movement. Mr. Prasad said the squirrels had to cross the highway for food and mate, which made them vulnerable to predators and vehicle hits. “Eagles and other aerial predators prey on the squirrels. Hence, they need more protective cover and wider areas for movement,” he said. Mr. Prasad said forest officials at Munnar erected a bamboo canopy bridge for the squirrels, facilitating a free passage through the canopy across the road. The 10-metre bridge was fastened to tall trees on both sides of the Alampetty stream.

The squirrels had nests on nearby trees and feed on fruits, nuts, tender leaves, insects, bird eggs, and bark of some trees.

He said steps were being taken at the sanctuary to plant more Calf Buffalo plants near the river.

Mr. Prasad said the squirrel species had been listed on Appendix-II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, preventing international trade in this species without a permit.