COMPARISON OF FOREST STRUCTURE AND USE BY THE INDIAN GIANT SQUIRREL (RATUFA-INDICA) IN 2 RIVERINE FORESTS OF CENTRAL INDIA

Forest structure and the use of feeding and nest trees by Ratufa indic a were assessed at a disturbed and an undisturbed riverine habitat in Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, central India. There were differences in the availability of large trees between the sites. However, despite these differences in forest structure, R. indica at both sites showed simila r preferences for feeding in trees greater than 150 cm in girth at bre ast height (GBH) and with heights greater than 15 m. A preference for larger trees was also observed in the use of nest trees. Though the sp ecies may be able to adapt to disturbed forests, there is preferential use of tall mature trees and dependence on canopy continuity. The ass essment of forest structure is essential in determining habitat suitab ility for giant squirrel.