Ratufa – Oriental giant squirrels

This genus includes some of the most eye-catching and impressive squirrels in the world. Native to South and Southeast Asia, these tree-dwelling rodents can grow over 1 meter (3 feet) long from nose to tail, making them some of the largest squirrels on the planet. Their long, bushy tails help them balance while leaping between branches, and their thick, colorful fur makes them look like creatures straight out of a storybook.

There are four main species of Ratufa, and each has its own unique color patterns and home turf. The Indian giant squirrel (Ratufa indica), for example, has a striking mix of maroon, cream, and black fur that makes it look more like a rainforest panda than a squirrel. These squirrels are shy and mostly solitary, spending their days quietly moving through the upper canopy in search of fruits, nuts, flowers, and bark. They’re excellent climbers and rarely come down to the ground.

One fun and surprising fact about giant squirrels is that they’re extremely quiet and hard to spot despite their size. They prefer to stay hidden high above the forest floor, and their soft calls and stealthy movements make them seem almost invisible in the treetops. They build large, round nests made of leaves and twigs, usually placed at the fork of a strong tree branch. These nests, called dreys, can be as big as a basketball and are often used for raising babies or just taking a mid-day nap.