Fauna
Mammal

Prevost's Squirrel

Callosciurus prevostii

Also known as Asian Tri-coloured Squirrel, Tricolored Squirrel, Prevost's Tree Squirrel

Prevost's squirrels flash vibrant tri-colored coats across Southeast Asian canopies, darting through branches with acrobatic agility in search of figs, seeds, and insects. Highly territorial pairs communicate through sharp, bird-like whistling calls accompanied by rhythmic tail-flicking when asserting feeding claims. They construct intricate spherical nests out of twigs, bark, and leaves high in tree forks, creating secure refuges against arboreal predators.

ArborealDiurnalColorful
Prevost's Squirrel reference
"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
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyFigs, Oil Palm Fruit, Insects
Predators
  • Reticulated Python
  • Crested Serpent Eagle
  • Clouded Leopard
ThreatsHabitat loss from deforestation, agricultural expansion, and pet trade capture
HabitatsLowland rainforests, peat swamp forests, secondary growth, and plantations
Life span5–8 years in the wild; up to 15 years in captivity
Classification
  1. FamilySciuridae
  2. SpeciesCallosciurus prevostii
Range & activity
Native
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Can deliver a sharp defensive bite if cornered or handled; observe peacefully from a distance.
Why it is dangerous
Chisel-like incisors designed for gnawing tough nuts can inflict deep, painful puncture wounds if handled.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for crisp tri-colored banding featuring a jet-black back, white side stripe, and reddish-chestnut underbelly.
What to do
Never attempt to catch, corner, or hand-feed wild squirrels; enjoy observations from ground level.
Responsible observation
  • Canopy Scanning: Search mid-to-high forest tiers during early morning when foraging activity peaks.
  • Listening for Calls: Listen for persistent metallic clucking and tail-flicking cues that reveal their location.
  • Binocular Viewing: Use optics to appreciate the rich tri-colored pelage without crowding tree bases.
Related species
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