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Text and photos by Nick Baker, unless otherwise stated

 EcologyAsia 2008
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Mountain Red-bellied Squirrel
   

 

Photographed at Fraser's Hill, Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia at an elevation of 900 metres.

Order : RODENTIA
Family : Sciuridae
Species : Callosciurus erythraeus

Head-Body Length : approx 20 cm
Tail Length : approx 20 cm
Weight : approx 250 grams

References :

The Mountain Red-bellied Squirrel (or Pallas's Squirrel) is, as its name implies, an inhabitant of montane areas. Though preferring primary or secondary forest habitats, it will readily forage on the ground in clearings and cultivated areas adjacent to such forests.

The species is identified by its medium size, its olive-brown upperparts and reddish underparts. The absence of black and buff stripes along the flank distinguishes the species from the similar Plantain Squirrel Callosciurus notatus, which prefers lowland areas.

The species is easily seen in forested, montane areas of Peninsular Malaysia such as Cameron Highlands and Fraser's Hill at altitudes of around 900 metres or higher. It is reported as ranging from parts of India and China, through Burma and Thailand to Peninsular Malaysia.