Deep within the lush greenery of Mahabaleshwar, I had an encounter with one of
India's most captivating yet elusive creatures – the Shekru or Indian giant
squirrel. That early morning, armed with my camera, what I experienced at MTDC
Mahabaleshwar was nothing short of enchanting.
When one thinks of squirrels, the imagery that often comes to mind is that of
a small, agile creature, darting about with its bushy tail. However, the
Shekru is a revelation in itself. Boasting a length of up to 45 cm and a tail
that rivals its body in size, this arboreal wonder is truly the 'giant' of its
kind. But what truly sets it apart is its resplendent multi-colored fur – a
rich palette ranging from deep reds and purples to creams and blacks.
Capturing the Elusive Shekru
Me and Jo woke up early at were taking in the early morning
sun-in-the-cool-breeze. As sunlight pierced through the dense canopy, there it
was - a Shekru, leaping gracefully from one tree to another. Its vibrant
colors seemed even more striking against the backdrop of verdant green.
Thankfully I had the camera with me. It took a lot of patience and slow moving
as to not scare it to get some nice shots. It jumped from branch to branch,
foraging it's food. Then it climbed up to the higher branches and into the
light! Each photograph felt like a story – a testament to the squirrel's
survival, beauty, and grace.
For a photographer, every shot is a moment immortalized. But photographing the
Shekru was not just about the aesthetics; it was about the narrative. The
Indian giant squirrel, though not endangered, faces threats from habitat loss
and hunting. Their very presence in a region indicates a healthy forest
ecosystem.
The MTDC Mahabaleshwar region, with its conservation efforts and natural
beauty, provides a haven for such creatures. And while my photographs capture
a fragment of the Shekru's life, they also highlight the importance of
preserving such habitats.
As we made our way back to the resort, the encounter with the Shekru felt
surreal. It wasn't just about adding another photograph to my portfolio; it
was about witnessing the splendor of nature up close.
For fellow photographers and wildlife enthusiasts, MTDC Mahabaleshwar offers a
chance to observe and appreciate the Shekru in its natural habitat. And for
me, it was a humbling reminder of the myriad wonders that India's biodiversity
has to offer.
To the Shekru – the vibrant sentinel of Mahabaleshwar's forests – and to many
more adventures that await.
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If you're in the MTDC Mahabaleshwar region and love nature, keep your eyes
peeled. You never know when you might encounter the mesmerizing Shekru. Just
remember to maintain a respectful distance and ensure their safety and comfort
at all times.
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These owlets were screaming their guts out at sunset.
