Grizzled Giant Squirrel (Ratufa macroura), is a large species of squirrel found in the forests of southern India. The species is found in patches of riverine forest along the Kaveri River in south India, in hill forests towards the southern tip of peninsular India and in parts of Sri Lanka. The name of one of the Sri Lankan races is R. macroura dandolena from the Sinhalese name of dandolena. The IUCN lists the species as near threatened due to habitat loss and hunting.With a head and body length of 25-45 cm (the tail is about the same or more) it is the smallest of the giant squirrels found in India. It has small rounded ears with tufts visible. Spotted deers can be seen adjoing to river strolling here and there in herds.
