Prevost's Squirrel
Callosciurus prevosti
WILD STATUS
Not currently endangered but considered vulnerable.
DISTRIBUTION
Southern Asia such as Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia.
SIZE
Length: body is approximately 10-11" and tail is 9”
Weight: 1-2 kg (2.2 - 4.4 lbs)
HABITAT
The canopy of lowland, tropical rainforests.
REPRODUCTION
Sexually mature at 1 year. There are generally one to four offspring after approximately a 40 day gestation period. They can breed all year round but are especially active in June and August. Juveniles leave the nest after about 6 weeks.
DIET
Fruits, nuts, seeds, flowers, bird’s eggs and insects.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
- The Prevost's Squirrel is one of the most beautiful squirrels with glossy black on the head, tail and back, chestnut-red belly and legs, and a white stripe where the other colours meet. Their scientific name means “beautiful squirrel”.
- These rodents play an important part in their ecosystem by dispersing seeds.
- They have small ears, good eyesight and ever-growing chisel-shaped incisors.
- Communication with others is by trilling, whistling and raising their tails.
- Tree-dwellers, they have been seen in groups, as well as living solitary.
- These squirrels are active during daylight hours but mainly at dawn and dusk.
- Prevost's Squirrels have been known to live 10 years in the wild and up to 17 years in captivity.
- Habitat destruction and the pet trade are the biggest threats to their numbers.
ANIMAL FACT SHEET
To download the information from this page and receive a full page photo of the Prevost's Squirrel click here for a PDF.
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