The Indian giant squirrel, also known as the Malabar giant squirrel (Ratufa indica), holds the title for the largest squirrel in the world. It boasts impressive dimensions, measuring an astounding 35 to 50 cm from head to body, and an additional remarkable 50 to 60 cm when accounting for the length of its tail. To put it into perspective, that’s nearly 4 feet long, almost reaching the height of Peter Dinklage! This magnificent creature weighs approximately 2 kg. The Indian giant squirrel is native to a specific region and showcases a stunning array of colors, including buff, tan, rust, brown, and creamy-beige. Typically, its underside displays a cream hue, while the head tends to be brown.

A close contender in size is the giant black squirrel, also called the Malayan giant squirrel (Ratufa bicolour). It closely matches the Indian giant squirrel’s measurements. These impressive squirrels can be found across various parts of Southeast Asia, including India, Indonesia, Laos, among others. The giant black squirrel weighs around 1.5 kg and sports a striking black-colored body with a buff underbelly.

Both these extraordinary squirrel species captivate with their size and distinct features, showcasing the remarkable diversity found in the world of squirrels.