- ‘Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap congratulated’
- Biodiversity conservation efforts have achieved a major success.
The Barnawapara region of Chhattisgarh has once again brought glory to the state with its rich biodiversity. The rare Indian giant squirrel (Giant Malabar Squirrel) was spotted during the Devpur Summer Camp 2026, held in the Devpur forest under the Balodabazar Forest Division. The forest department, nature lovers, and scientists are excited by the sighting of this rare animal.
Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap congratulated the Forest Department team on this achievement and said that this is a positive result of the Chhattisgarh government’s wildlife conservation and environmental enhancement schemes. He said that the state government is continuously taking effective steps to conserve forests and wildlife, thereby developing safe habitats for rare species.
‘Rare Species Spotted at Devpur Summer Camp’
The Devpur Summer Camp was organized by the Balodabazar Forest Division from May 16 to May 22, 2026. This rare squirrel was spotted during a birding trail organized on the first day of the camp, May 16. It was identified by nature lover and cyber risk expert Shri Hemant Verma.
‘Specialities of the Giant Indian Squirrel’
The Giant Indian Squirrel, scientifically known as Ratufa indica , is one of India’s largest arboreal squirrels. Its length, including its tail, is approximately three feet. Its body is a beautiful blend of dark red, brown, black, and cream colors. It spends most of its life in trees and is capable of leaping from one tree to another. This
“rare species with legal protection”
is protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Hunting or trading it is a legal offense. It is a sign of a healthy forest ecosystem. Divisional Forest Officer, Mr. Dhammasheel Ganvir, stated that the Barnawapara Sanctuary and the surrounding forest area are rich in biodiversity. The sighting of this rare squirrel in the Devpur forest is proof of the healthy and safe forest ecosystem. Divisional Forest Officer, Mr. Dhammasheel Ganvir, stated that the Devpur Summer Camp was a very special experience for the children and youth who participated. The Forest Department believes that seeing such rare
wildlife
increases awareness about nature and wildlife conservation among the new generation. This event is an important step towards strengthening the state government’s environmental conservation and public awareness programs.