New Delhi, Dec 5: As per a recent study conducted by Zoological Survey of India, this species of squirrel may become extinct, if proper conservatory measures are not taken. This is the first of its kind study conducted by the Zoological Survey of India.

 

 

The Malayan giant squirrel or the black giant squirrel is one of the largest tree squirrels in the world. The Malayan Giant Squirrels might decline by 90% in India by 2050. The species might become extinct in the country subsequently. Only 43.48% of the original habitat is favourable to the squirrel.

 

They are fast losing its territories due to crop cultivation and human settlements. The population of Malayan Giant Squirrels have declined by 30% in the last two decades.

 

The study says that the Malayan Giant Squirrel and its habitat are under threat due to fragmentation of forests, deforestation, crop cultivation, illegal trade in wildlife, Slash and burn Jhum Cultivation, hunting for consumption.

 

The findings of the study reflect the fact that the declining population of the squirrel says that the health of the forest and vegetation on which the squirrel feeds is also declining. The Malayan Squirrel is listed as 'Near Threatened' on IUCN 2016 list and is listed as 'protected' under India Wildlife Protection Act.