Journal of Animal Diversity

Journal of Animal Diversity

Distribution and ecology of the Indian giant squirrel (Ratufa indica Erxleben) in the Valparai Plateau, Southern India

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Aneena Lakshmanan
Mahaly Moorthi
Selvarasu Sathishkumar
PG and Research Department of Zoology and Wildlife Biology, A.V.C. College (Autonomous), Mayiladuthurai –609305, Affiliated to Bharathidasan University, Tamil Nadu, India
10.22034/JAD.2024.6.4.3
Abstract
The Indian giant squirrel Ratufa indica (Erxleben) is considered Least Concern (LC) in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Populations of Indian Giant Squirrel are distributed across the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR), Tamil Nadu, India, situated within the Western Ghats, which is recognized as one of the world’s 25 biodiversity hotspots due to its unique flora and fauna. The species is crucial to seed dispersal in this ecosystem. We studied R. indica in the ATR, using line transects to estimate numbers of R. indica and point quadrats to analyze vegetation. We describe the population density, habitat preferences, and tree species use of R. indica on the Valparai Plateau within the Anamalai Tiger Reserve between January 2021 and March 2021. A survey of 14 transects covering 220 km2 revealed a group density of 10.7 groups/km² and an individual density of 17.9 individuals/km², with a detection probability of 0.32. Habitat analysis showed significant differences in tree characteristics between areas with and without squirrels, with inhabited areas featuring larger trees, denser canopy, and greater species richness. Regression analysis identified positive correlations between R. indica abundance and canopy cover and tree height, whereas crown width and tree species diversity negatively impacted R. indica presence. Additionally, R. indica showed a preference for the lower and upper canopy levels of trees, with minimal sightings at lower elevations. Tree species analysis indicated that Spathodea campanulata and Mesua ferrea trees were most commonly used by R. indica, contributing significantly to the species composition. These findings provide insights into the factors influencing this species’ distribution and habitat selection, which are essential for developing conservation strategies in the region.
Keywords
Anamalai Tiger Reserve
distance sampling
IGS
population density
Rodentia
Sciuridae
Western Ghats

Subjects

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