Activity Pattern of the Malabar Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica maxima) in Karikulam Forest Range of Ranny Division of Kerala, India

The Malabar giant squirrel (Ratufa indica maxima (Schreber 1784) is an arboreal species, endemic to the forests of the Western Ghats, India. The present study was undertaken with the objective of systematically examining the activity patterns and feeding behaviour of the Malabar giant squirrel in the Karikulam forest of Kerala from March to November, 2021. The research employed the focal animal sampling method, to systematically collect data on the activity patterns and feeding behavior. Total of 13,590 minutes of focal sampling was conducted. Feeding and resting behaviors, accounted for approximately 86% of the squirrels' total observed activity. The squirrel exhibited significant feeding activity primarily during the early morning and late afternoon. The marked increase in resting behaviors was observed during the midday period. In terms of dietary preferences, the study indicate that the most frequently utilized species include Xyliaxylocarpa, Tamarindus indica, Terminaliapaniculata, Terminalia crenulate. The squirrels utilize 16 distinct tree species for nesting purposes. The trees predominantly selected for nesting include, Xylia xylocarpa, Terminalia paniculata, Artocarpus hirsutus, Terminalia crenulate. These findings highlight the species' dependence on specific tree species for both food and nesting, emphasizing the need to conserve these key resources to ensure the survival of R. indica maxima populations in the Western Ghats.