The wildlife survey, which began on January 1, 2026, is being conducted across all forest ranges of the Pune Forest Division to document the presence and population indicators of tigers, leopards, and other wildlife species through direct sightings and indirect signs
Representation Pic/ Forest Department
During the ongoing All India Tiger Estimation 2026, the Indian Giant Squirrel (Shekru) — the state animal of Maharashtra — was sighted in the Pune Forest Division, highlighting the region’s healthy and biodiverse forest ecosystem.
The wildlife survey, which began on January 1, 2026, is being conducted across all forest ranges of the Pune Forest Division to document the presence and population indicators of tigers, leopards, and other wildlife species through direct sightings and indirect signs.
According to forest officials, the Indian Giant Squirrel was spotted on January 5, 2026, at around 7:45 am along a transect line near the Tiger Point tourist area at Mauje Atvan in the Lonavala range, while census activities were underway. The sighting was officially recorded by Lonavala Forest Guard Ganesh Mehetre and Atvan Forest Guard Krishna Dethe, who were part of the survey team at the site.
The Indian Giant Squirrel is an arboreal species that inhabits tall, dense, and undisturbed forests and is considered a key indicator species for assessing forest health. Living primarily in the upper canopies of mature trees, the species plays a significant role in seed dispersal and natural forest regeneration, contributing to ecological balance.
Forest department officials noted that while the tiger census mainly focuses on big cats, sightings of indicator species such as the Indian Giant Squirrel provide valuable insights into overall habitat quality. “The presence of Shekru reflects a well-preserved ecosystem with sufficient tree cover and food resources,” an official said.
The species has been reported earlier in parts of the Maval region and is commonly found in larger numbers in Junnar taluka. Its recent sighting near Lonavala further highlights the ecological importance of the Western Ghats belt, which passes through Maval taluka and comprises hills, valleys, and dense forest patches supporting a wide range of wildlife.
The incident also reinforces that forests around popular tourist destinations like Lonavala are not merely recreational zones but critical wildlife habitats. More comprehensive data on wildlife diversity and forest health in the region is expected to emerge as subsequent phases of the Tiger Census 2026 are completed.
While speaking to Mid-Day, Dr Sachin Anil Punekar, Conservation Biologist and Founder of Biospheres, said, "It’s a good sign that the Indian Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica indica) was sighted at Atvan near Lonavala, indicating that certain healthy forest patches still exist and need immediate conservation action. Protecting this dwindling species is important, particularly for possible tiger corridors. This arboreal species plays a pivotal role in seed dispersal and maintaining the forest canopy, which ultimately supports big cats like tigers by sustaining their prey base and providing year-round water along migratory paths."
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