Is It Possible to Keep Indian Giant Squirrels? (We Tried it Out!)

Indian giant squirrels are one of the most beautiful and fascinating creatures in the world. Their vibrant, multicolored fur and impressive size make them a popular attraction in zoos and wildlife parks. However, some people wonder:

Is It Possible to Keep Indian Giant Squirrels?

Generally Speaking Yes, it is possible to keep Indian giant squirrels as pets, but it is illegal in many countries including India. Additionally, these squirrels require specialized care and a large living space, so it is not recommended for most people to keep them as pets.

Despite the challenges, some people have successfully kept Indian giant squirrels as pets.

These individuals have worked closely with experts to create a suitable living environment for their squirrels and have provided them with the proper care and nutrition.

However, it is important to note that keeping Indian giant squirrels as pets is not for everyone, and it requires a significant commitment of time, money, and resources.

What are Indian Giant Squirrels?

Indian Giant Squirrels, also known as Malabar Giant Squirrels, are a species of squirrel native to India.

They are one of the largest species of squirrels in the world, with a body length of up to 14 inches and a tail length of up to 2 feet.

Their fur is a vibrant mix of colors, including shades of black, brown, and orange, which helps them blend in with the forest canopy.

These squirrels are arboreal, meaning they spend most of their time in trees.

They are found in the tropical forests of India, where they feed on fruits, nuts, and insects.

They are also known to feed on the bark of trees, which they strip away to access the sap underneath.

Indian Giant Squirrels are known for their impressive jumping ability, which allows them to leap from tree to tree with ease.

They are also skilled climbers, using their sharp claws to grip onto tree trunks and branches.

Despite their large size, they are incredibly agile and can move quickly through the trees.

Housing Indian Giant Squirrels:

Cage Size:

Indian Giant Squirrels are arboreal and require a spacious cage to move around and exercise.

The minimum recommended cage size for a single squirrel is 6 feet tall, 4 feet wide, and 4 feet deep.

For a pair, the cage should be at least 8 feet tall, 6 feet wide, and 6 feet deep.

The cage should have multiple levels and branches for climbing and jumping.

Cage Setup:

The cage should be equipped with a variety of items to keep the squirrel entertained and mentally stimulated.

These include:

• Branches and perches for climbing and jumping
• Nesting boxes or hammocks for sleeping and resting
• Toys, such as ropes, balls, and chew toys
• Food and water dishes
• A litter box filled with litter made of recycled paper or wood shavings

The cage should be cleaned regularly to maintain a hygienic environment for the squirrel.

The litter box should be changed daily, and the entire cage should be cleaned and disinfected at least once a week.

What is the rarest squirrel in the world?

The rarest squirrel in the world is the Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel (Sciurus niger cinereus).

This species is found only in the Delmarva Peninsula, which is a narrow strip of land that stretches from Delaware to Virginia on the east coast of the United States.

The Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel was once widespread throughout the peninsula, but habitat loss and hunting caused its population to decline drastically.

In the 1960s, the Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel was listed as a federally endangered species, and conservation efforts were launched to protect it.

Today, the population has rebounded to around 20,000 individuals, but it is still considered rare and threatened.

The squirrel’s habitat consists of mature hardwood forests, which are becoming increasingly fragmented due to development and agriculture.

Conservationists are working to protect and restore these forests to ensure the survival of the Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel.

The Indian giant squirrel, also known as the Malabar giant squirrel, is not the rarest squirrel in the world.

In fact, it is a relatively common species found in the forests of India.

However, it is a beautiful and strikingly colorful squirrel, which makes it a popular subject for wildlife photographers and enthusiasts.

The Indian giant squirrel is one of the largest species of squirrel in the world, measuring up to three feet in length, including its bushy tail.

It has a distinctive coat of fur that ranges from reddish-brown to deep purple, with white underparts and a long, bushy tail.

The squirrel’s large eyes and ears help it to navigate through the dense forest canopy where it lives.

Despite its relatively common status, the Indian giant squirrel is still threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation and fragmentation of its forest habitat.

It is also hunted for its meat and fur in some areas.

Conservation efforts are underway to protect the species and its habitat, including the establishment of protected areas and conservation education programs for local communities.

The 6 Largest Squirrels In The World:

Here are the 6 largest squirrels in the world, listed in order from largest to smallest:

1. Malabar Giant Squirrel – Also known as the Indian Giant Squirrel, it is native to the forests of India. It can grow up to 36 cm (14 inches) in head and body length and up to 61 cm (24 inches) in tail length. It can weigh up to 1.8 kg (4 pounds).
2. Ratufa affinis – Also known as the Black Giant Squirrel or the Malayan Giant Squirrel, it is found in the forests of Southeast Asia. It can grow up to 35 cm (14 inches) in head and body length and up to 60 cm (24 inches) in tail length. It can weigh up to 1.5 kg (3.3 pounds).
3. Ratufa bicolor – Also known as the Bi-colored Giant Squirrel or the Two-toned Giant Squirrel, it is found in the forests of Southeast Asia. It can grow up to 33 cm (13 inches) in head and body length and up to 60 cm (24 inches) in tail length. It can weigh up to 1.2 kg (2.6 pounds).
4. Ratufa macroura – Also known as the Long-tailed Giant Squirrel or the Cream-coloured Giant Squirrel, it is found in the forests of Southeast Asia. It can grow up to 30 cm (12 inches) in head and body length and up to 60 cm (24 inches) in tail length. It can weigh up to 1 kg (2.2 pounds).
5. Callosciurus prevostii – Also known as the Prevost’s Squirrel or the Bank Squirrel, it is found in the forests of Southeast Asia. It can grow up to 22 cm (8.7 inches) in head and body length and up to 25 cm (9.8 inches) in tail length. It can weigh up to 500 g (1.1 pounds).
6. Callosciurus finlaysonii – Also known as the Finlayson’s Squirrel or the Variable Squirrel, it is found in the forests of Southeast Asia. It can grow up to 22 cm (8.7 inches) in head and body length and up to 24 cm (9.4 inches) in tail length.

Is there such thing as a giant squirrel?

Yes, there is such a thing as a giant squirrel.

Several species of squirrels are considered giant squirrels due to their larger size compared to other squirrel species.

These species include the Malabar Giant Squirrel, Black Giant Squirrel (Ratufa affinis), Bi-colored Giant Squirrel (Ratufa bicolor), and Long-tailed Giant Squirrel (Ratufa macroura), among others.

The Malabar Giant Squirrel, also known as the Indian Giant Squirrel, is one of the largest species of squirrel in the world.

It can grow up to 36 cm (14 inches) in head and body length and up to 61 cm (24 inches) in tail length.

It can weigh up to 1.8 kg (4 pounds).

This species is native to the forests of India and has a strikingly beautiful and colorful coat of fur that ranges from reddish-brown to deep purple.

The Black Giant Squirrel, Bi-colored Giant Squirrel, and Long-tailed Giant Squirrel are all found in the forests of Southeast Asia.

These species can grow up to 35 cm (14 inches) in head and body length and up to 60 cm (24 inches) in tail length.

They can weigh up to 1.5 kg (3.3 pounds), 1.2 kg (2.6 pounds), and 1 kg (2.2 pounds), respectively.

Giant squirrels are typically arboreal, spending most of their time in trees, where they feed on fruits, nuts, and seeds.

They have adapted to their larger size by having longer and stronger limbs and a larger body size.

While some species of giant squirrels are threatened by habitat loss and hunting, others are considered common and widespread.

Conclusion:

The Indian giant squirrel is an amazing species of squirrel that is native to India and is a great addition to any wildlife enthusiast’s collection.

Keeping Indian giant squirrels is possible, but it requires a great deal of dedication and commitment. It is important to provide the squirrels with a large, secure enclosure that is designed to meet their needs.

Additionally, the enclosure should be kept clean and free of any potential hazards. Furthermore, the squirrels should be provided with a healthy diet and plenty of enrichment activities to keep them active and engaged.

Finally, it is important to ensure that the squirrels are provided with regular veterinary care to ensure their health and well-being.

With the right care and dedication, it is possible to keep Indian giant squirrels as pets.