Prevost's Squirrel

Description:

The species is highly varied in colour and patterning : there are more than 10 races or subspecies recognised in Borneo and adjacent islands. The general pattern in most forms comprises grey to black upperparts and tail, with a dark red or orange belly. Often there is a white stripe along the flank which may be thin or thick depending on the subspecies.

Habitat:

This species occurs in tall primary or secondary rainforest, but they will also explore beyond the forest edge into nearby cultivated areas in search of ripe fruits. They also enter adjacent oil palm and coconut plantations. They are diurnal and almost exclusively arboreal. Besides a liking for sweet fruits, the Prevost's Squirrel also consumes insects excavated from rotting wood such as termites, ants and beetles.