Mammal
Plantain Squirrel
Callosciurus notatusAlso known as Oriental Squirrel, Tricoloured Squirrel
Plantain squirrels are active, highly adaptable tree dwellers easily recognized by their chestnut-red bellies bordered by distinct black and buff side stripes. They spend their days leaping energetically through canopy foliage and city gardens, communicating with loud, bird-like scolding chirps when alarmed. Their varied diet of seeds, fruits, insects, and bird eggs makes them opportunistic foragers that thrive equally well in primary rainforests and bustling urban parks.
DiurnalArborealAgile
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyFruits and Seeds, Insects, Bird Eggs
Predators
- Reticulated Python
- Changeable Hawk-Eagle
- Leopard Cat
ThreatsPersecution as agricultural pests, minor habitat loss
HabitatsForests, mangroves, plantations, gardens, urban parks
Life span3–7 years in the wild
Classification
- OrderRodentia
- FamilySciuridae
- GenusCallosciurus
- SpeciesCallosciurus notatus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of a painful bite if cornered or handled; admire from a respectful distance.
Responsible observation
- Observation: Look for them active in tree canopies during morning and late afternoon hours.
- Feeding Caution: Avoid hand-feeding wild squirrels to prevent accidental bites.
- Listening: Listen for rapid, sharp chirping calls used to alarm nearby group members.
Close Relative "Prevost's squirrel" by Infomastern is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/. · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Marco Mussita, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Marco Mussita · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Telegro, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Charles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Keep collecting in Fauna
Found in Collections
Species set
Urban Dwellers
Plantain Squirrel is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
—/7
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.