Order : RODENTIA
Family : Sciuridae
Species : Callosciurus nigrovittatus

Head-Body Length : Up to 24 cm
Tail Length : Up to 23 cm
Weight : Up to 300 grams ?

The Black-banded Squirrel inhabits primary forest and can continue to thrive in logged-over forest, but is unable to survive in the sparse secondary forest which succeeds extensively logged areas.

The species appears closely related to the Plantain Squirrel Callosciurus notatus, being similar in size, shape and general patterning. The Black-banded Squirrel, however, has a grey belly, rather than the orange belly of the other species. In some locations the tip of the tail is also reported as being grey.

Its forest diet comprises fruit, seeds and occasional insects.

The species ranges from Southern Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia to Sumatra, Java and Borneo. It has not been recorded in Singapore.

Fig 1 : Inspecting the ripeness of figs to determine if they are ready for consumption.

Fig 2 : This squirrel appears to be smelling a scent marking, perhaps left by a territorial rival.


References :

Lekagul, B., McNeely, J., 1977. Mammals of Thailand. Association for the Conservation of Wildlife, Thailand. 758 pp.