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Rare Shekru Sighting Signals Healthy Forest
7 Jan
Summary
- Maharashtra's state animal, the Shekru, was sighted in Atwan during the tiger survey.
- The squirrel's presence indicates a healthy forest with ample resources.
- Conservation efforts require public awareness and participation beyond forest departments.
Maharashtra's state animal, the Shekru, was officially documented in the Atwan region as part of the ongoing All India Tiger Estimation 2026 survey. This sighting on January 5 offers a positive indicator of the forest's ecological health, as the Indian giant squirrel thrives in dense, well-resourced environments. Its presence suggests the area possesses the necessary flora and fauna to sustain complex wildlife.
Mangesh Madhukar Tate, Assistant Conservator of Forests, highlighted the significance of the Shekru's appearance, noting its rarity in degraded habitats and its usual preference for remote Western Ghats regions. The giant squirrel plays a crucial role in forest regeneration through seed dispersal, making its sighting a testament to the ecosystem's vitality.
The survey also recorded signs of other wildlife, including mouse deer and sambar deer. Tate stressed that conservation is a collective responsibility, urging public awareness and participation in protecting natural habitats. Efforts like tree planting and reporting harm are vital for the well-being of wildlife and their environments, extending conservation efforts beyond forest departments.
