The Ratufa indica is a species of squirrel that lives in the region of Maharashtra, in central-western India. It is not uncommon to meet one of these particular squirrels at the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a few thousand specimens.
This squirrel is much larger than other similar specimens: the Ratufa is 35 centimeters long (almost 14 inches) and has a thick tail that can reach up to 60 centimeters (23 inches) in length, allowing it it to cling to trees and move swiftly between branches.
The Ratufa hides on the tops of mango and coconut trees to find food and escape from predators.
Aside from its unusual size, the striking thing about this cute animal is the impressive range of colors displayed on its coat. It goes from blue to burgundy, passing through various shades of red, brown, orange and yellow.
The Ratufa is an endangered species: since the opening of their sanctuary in the 1980s, the number of specimens has increased to 22 thousand… unfortunately the population of these squirrels is decreasing once again.
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Source: Greenme.it
