News Context: During the All India Tiger Estimation 2026, the Indian Giant Squirrel was sighted in the Atwan region of the Lonavala/Pune forest division, indicating a healthy, undisturbed forest canopy.
- Taxonomy & Characteristics: Locally known as Shekru, the Indian Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica) is the State Animal of Maharashtra. It is a large-bodied, multi-colored arboreal mammal known for its long, bushy tail.
- Habitat: It is endemic to India, primarily found in the tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous forests of the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and Satpura Range.
- Significance of Sighting: Since Shekris an "obligate arboreal" species (it rarely leaves the treetops), its presence is a bio-indicator of a continuous forest canopy and a robust ecosystem.
- Ecological Role: Known as the "Forest Gardener," it plays a vital role in seed dispersal, aiding forest regeneration.
- Conservation Status: * IUCN: Least Concern (but populations are fragmented).
- WPA 1972: Schedule I.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
