Comparison of Forest Structure and Use by the Indian Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica) in Two Riverine Forests of Central India

Some aspects of the ecology of the Indian Giant Squirrel Ratufa indica (Erxleben, 1777) in the tropical forests of Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, southern India and their conservation implications

“…These results coupled with the results of nest tree characters show that the squirrels prefer the largest trees available and highest locations on the trees within their home range to build their nests. The selection is however strongly influenced by tree species and their physical characteristics including canopy contiguity as reported elsewhere (Datta & Goyal 1996) for the species.…”

“…It is a solitary living species, constructs globular nests or dreys with leaves and twigs (Borges 1989;Thorington & Cifelli 1989;Ramachandran 1992). Considering its arboreal nature and dependence on trees for food, shelter and movement, it is apparent that the composition of tree species and structural attributes of the forests play a major role in the use of the habitat by the giant squirrel (Borges 1989;Ramachandran 1992;Datta & Goyal 1996). Understanding the species distribution and its resource requirements are essential for its long-term conservation plans.…”

Day-bed choice by the brown palm civet (Paradoxurus jerdoni) in the Western Ghats, India

“…These variables suggest preference of tall, mature rainforest habitat with good canopy continuity and better visibility for day-bedding by the brown palm civet. Civets probably choose Indian giant squirrel nests because they are suitably located on large, tall trees with highly interlinked crowns that facilitate movement through the canopy as shown by studies in deciduous forests (Ramachandran 1988;Datta and Goyal 1996). Various reasons may influence selection of such sites by civets, including escape from predators and proximity to food resources (Joshi et al 1995).…”

Distribution and relative abundance of giant squirrels and flying squirrels in Karnataka, India / Distribution et abondance relative des espèces d'écureuils géants et volants à Karnataka, Inde

“…Ratufa indica prefers large tall trees for most of its activities, especially nesting (Datta and Goyal 1996), and canopy contiguity is essential for its movement between the trees (Ramachandran 1988). In Nagarahole, these squirrels were found in higher relative abundance in moist deciduous forest than the other forest types.…”

“…The diurnal tree squirrels and nocturnal flying squirrels are a major component of the animal biomass of tropical rainforests (Eisenberg 1980), and they are significant seed dispersers and pollinators (Hallwachs 1986;Smythe 1989;Paschoal and Galletti 1995). Although some information on overall distribution and population trends (Bhat and Mathew 1984a;Kurup 1989;Ashraf et al 1993;Joshua and Johnsingh 1994;Datta and Goyal 1996;Umapathy and Kumar 2000;Rajamani 2001;Kumar et al 2002;Madhusudan and Karanth 2002;Kumara and Singh 2004a,b) and ecology and behavior (Bhat 1980(Bhat , 1982Mathew 1984b,c,d, 1985;Borges 1989;Umapathy 1998;Sushma 2004) of squirrels is available for peninsular India, we still lack documentation on local distribution patterns and the relative abundance of several squirrel species. In this paper, we report our assessment of the distribution patterns and relative abundance of giant squirrels and flying squirrels, and the factors that govern their distribution in the south Indian state of Karnataka.…”