Oriental giant squirrel

The Oriental giant squirrel is a large, tree-dwelling squirrel native to South and Southeast Asia and belonging to the genus Ratufa. Its members are among the largest squirrels.

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Ratufa: Ratufa is a genus of large tree squirrels native to South and Southeast Asia. The Oriental giant squirrel belongs to this genus, which contains four recognized species.
Arboreal locomotion: Arboreal locomotion is movement through trees by climbing, leaping, and balancing on branches. Large Ratufa squirrels travel through the canopy using powerful limbs and long tails.
Indian giant squirrel: The Indian giant squirrel is a large tree squirrel in the genus Ratufa, native to India. It is a common name for the Malabar giant squirrel, not a separate genus.
IUCN Red List: The IUCN Red List assesses the extinction risk of species and subspecies worldwide. Its assessments distinguish the conservation status of individual Ratufa species.
Malabar giant squirrel: The Malabar giant squirrel is a colorful Ratufa species endemic to peninsular India. It is one of the best-known species commonly called an Oriental giant squirrel.
Seed dispersal: Seed dispersal is the movement of seeds away from their parent plants. By carrying and eating fruits and seeds, giant squirrels can affect forest regeneration.
Grizzled giant squirrel: The grizzled giant squirrel is a large South Asian tree squirrel in the genus Ratufa. It is a separate Ratufa species, with a more restricted range than the genus-wide common name suggests.
Deforestation: Deforestation is the large-scale removal of forest, often converting it to other land uses. Forest loss reduces habitat for Ratufa populations across parts of South and Southeast Asia.
Black giant squirrel: The black giant squirrel is a Ratufa species found in parts of Southeast Asia. Its dark coat distinguishes a species within the same genus.
Frugivory: Frugivory is the consumption of fruit by animals. Fruit forms part of the varied plant-based diet of Ratufa squirrels.