A Conservation Drive in Villupuram Forest Division
Tamil Nadu Launches Study to Protect the Grizzled Giant Squirrel: The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has taken a significant step by initiating a population study of the grizzled giant squirrel in the Pakkamalai and Gangavaram hills. Known for its rare biodiversity, this hilly terrain is becoming central to the state’s renewed conservation efforts. The study aims to collect crucial data that could eventually support declaring the region as a wildlife sanctuary, bringing long-term protection to many endangered species.
Meet the Grizzled Giant Squirrel
The grizzled giant squirrel (Ratufa macroura) is a unique and lesser-known species, listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Unlike its larger cousins, this squirrel is the smallest among the giant squirrel family. It is mostly arboreal, spending its life in trees, and thrives in riparian forests found in parts of Southern India and Sri Lanka. With its grey-brown fur flecked with white, it earns the name “grizzled.” Active mostly during dawn and dusk, it plays a key ecological role by dispersing seeds and promoting forest regeneration.
Threats to Its Existence
Despite its importance to forest ecosystems, the grizzled giant squirrel faces mounting challenges. Habitat loss due to deforestation is the biggest threat. As forests shrink and human encroachment expands, food sources and nesting trees diminish. The IUCN classifies this species as Near Threatened, which means it is vulnerable to extinction if conservation efforts falter. Poaching and road development also pose threats to its already fragmented populations.
Why This Study Matters
This latest scientific survey by the Villupuram Forest Division is vital. It brings together experts, forest staff, and volunteers to document the presence, movement, and habitat usage of the species. It is more than just a headcount—it’s about understanding what the squirrel needs to survive and how climate, human activity, and habitat quality impact its population. Such evidence-based data will also support the call to upgrade the Pakkamalai and Gangavaram hills into protected areas.
A Biodiversity Hotspot Worth Saving
The region where the survey is being conducted is not only home to the grizzled giant squirrel but also hosts a wealth of other wildlife. From the critically endangered golden gecko to hundreds of amphibians and tropical bird species, the ecological diversity of these hills is striking. Protecting this zone is not just about one species; it’s about securing an entire ecosystem for future generations.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT
Tamil Nadu Launches Study to Protect the Grizzled Giant Squirrel:
| Topic | Details |
| Species Name | Grizzled Giant Squirrel (Ratufa macroura) |
| Conservation Status | Near Threatened (IUCN) |
| Legal Protection | Schedule I, Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 |
| Key Habitat | Pakkamalai & Gangavaram Hills, Tamil Nadu |
| Major Threats | Deforestation, Poaching, Habitat Loss |
| Forest Division Leading Study | Villupuram Forest Division |
| Ecological Role | Seed dispersal, Forest regeneration |
| Biodiversity Hotspot | Home to golden gecko, tropical birds, reptiles |
