Maharashtra: Rescued Indian giant squirrels rehabilitated, released into the wild by forest department and RAWW

One of the rescued Indian Giant Squirrels (Shekru). (Pic/RAWW)

In a significant boost to wildlife conservation efforts, two rescued Indian giant squirrels, also known as 'Shekru', were successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild last week on December 13. Shekru, the state animal of Maharashtra, was released jointly by the Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW) and the Maharashtra Forest Department, an official said.

The two giant squirrels were rescued in separate incidents by the forest department and later handed over to RAWW for specialised medical care and rehabilitation.

Both the animals were found to be suffering from health complications at the time of rescue.

Pawan Sharma, founder and president of RAWW, speaking to mid-day.com about the rescue, said, "Our dedicated team of veterinarians and wildlife rehabilitators treated the squirrels at our rehabilitation facility. After nearly three months of continuous care, monitoring and rehabilitation, they were declared fit for reintroduction into their natural habitat."

Indian Giant Squirrels are known as 'Shekru' in Marathi and were declared the state animal of Maharashtra by the government. The species plays a vital role in forest ecosystems by aiding seed dispersal.

They are currently facing threat and extinction due to habitat loss and fragmentation in their native range.

Such successful rehabilitation efforts highlight the importance of collaboration between wildlife organisations and government agencies in conserving endangered and threatened species.