Head to head
Indian Giant Squirrel vs Indian Palm Squirrel
Indian Giant Squirrel
VS Indian Palm Squirrel
Both squirrels are native to India, yet they could hardly look or live more differently: one is a huge forest-canopy specialist, the other a small, striped squirrel that thrives among people.
| Indian Giant Squirrel | Indian Palm Squirrel | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Ratufa indica | Funambulus palmarum |
| Size | One of the largest squirrels, with a tail often longer than its body | Small |
| Coat | Patchwork of maroon, orange, cream, and purple-brown | Grey-brown with three pale stripes down the back |
| Habitat | Deciduous and evergreen forest | Forest, scrub, gardens, parks, and cities |
| Range | Peninsular India, including the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats | Peninsular India and Sri Lanka |
| Around people | Depends on tall forest and rarely comes to the ground | Thrives around people, often nesting in trees and buildings |
| Cultural link | State animal of Maharashtra, where it is called the shekru | A Hindu legend says Lord Rama's touch left its stripes |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Indian Giant Squirrel vs Indian Palm Squirrel: common questions
Which Indian squirrel has stripes?
The Indian palm squirrel, which has three pale stripes down its back, while the Indian giant squirrel has a patchwork of maroon, orange, cream, and purple-brown fur.
Which one lives in cities?
The Indian palm squirrel, which thrives in gardens, parks, and cities, while the Indian giant squirrel depends on tall forest canopy.
What is the shekru?
The shekru is the local name for the Indian giant squirrel in Maharashtra, where it is the official state animal.