Q. Which is Maharashtra's state animal protected in Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary?
Answer: Indian Giant Squirrel
Notes: The Indian Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica) is Maharashtra's state animal. Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1985, aims to conserve its endemic subspecies, Ratufa indica elphistonii. The sanctuary is part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and biodiversity hotspot.