# Plantain Squirrel

> Plantain Squirrel (Callosciurus notatus). The plantain squirrel uses trees in Southeast Asian forests, gardens and settlements; body stripes and colour help separate similar squirrels.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/callosciurus-notatus/ · Updated 1 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/callosciurus-notatus/
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**Review status:** This guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.

## Quick answer

The Plantain Squirrel (*Callosciurus notatus*) is a mammal in the family Sciuridae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Bali, West Java, East Java. Diet: fruit, seeds, sap and insects; a omnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Callosciurus notatus* |
| Indonesian name | Bajing Kelapa |
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Sciuridae |
| Observation records | Bali, West Java, East Java |
| Linked habitats | [Mangroves](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/mangroves/), [Freshwater Wetlands](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/freshwater-wetlands/) |
| Taxonomic group | Rodentia |
| GBIF records | 991 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2437396) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Omnivore (eats plants and animals) — fruit, seeds, sap and insects · [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Callosciurus_notatus/) |
| Reproduction | Giving birth to live young (viviparous) · [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), MamFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/MamFuncDat.txt) |

## What is the Plantain Squirrel?

Plantain Squirrel refers to Callosciurus notatus, in the genus Callosciurus, family Sciuridae, and order Rodentia. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.

Evidence: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/2437396)

## What is known about the Plantain Squirrel?

The plantain squirrel uses trees in Southeast Asian forests, gardens and settlements; body stripes and colour help separate similar squirrels.

Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.

Evidence: [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callosciurus%20notatus)

## Habitat and field observations of the Plantain Squirrel

Mammal accounts document mangroves, swamps, gardens, plantations and secondary forest. Foods can include seeds, fruit, shoots, flowers, sap and arthropods; a diet percentage from one site is not universal.

Evidence: [GBIF species treatments — natural-history accounts](https://api.gbif.org/v1/species/2437396/descriptions)

## How many Indonesian records name the Plantain Squirrel?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 991 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2437396&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include Bali, West Java, East Java. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2437396&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## How can you observe the Plantain Squirrel?

Watch from a distance, do not feed, and avoid sharing precise locations of vulnerable dens or resting sites. Do not try to catch or touch wild mammals. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.

## Explore related animals

To explore this group further, compare Plantain Squirrel with Black-striped Squirrel, Prevost's Squirrel, Black Giant Squirrel. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.

## Scientific classification of the Plantain Squirrel

| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Rodentia |
| Family | Sciuridae |
| Genus | *Callosciurus* |
| Species | *Callosciurus notatus* |

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Common questions about the Plantain Squirrel

### What is the scientific name of the Plantain Squirrel?

The scientific name of the Plantain Squirrel is *Callosciurus notatus*, in the family Sciuridae and the order Rodentia. In Indonesian it is called Bajing Kelapa.

### What kind of animal is the Plantain Squirrel?

The Plantain Squirrel is a mammal in the family Sciuridae. By diet it is a omnivore (eats plants and animals): a fruit, seeds, sap and insects.

### Where does the Plantain Squirrel live in Indonesia?

Observation records of the Plantain Squirrel summarised in this guide mainly come from Bali, West Java, East Java. That list is not a complete range map.

Source-supported habitats: [Mangroves](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/mangroves/), [Freshwater Wetlands](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/freshwater-wetlands/).

### What does the Plantain Squirrel eat?

The Plantain Squirrel is a fruit, seeds, sap and insects. That makes it a omnivore (eats plants and animals). Source: [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Callosciurus_notatus/).

### How does the Plantain Squirrel reproduce?

The Plantain Squirrel reproduces by giving birth to live young (viviparous). Source: [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/).

### Is the Plantain Squirrel nocturnal?

The cited source records the Plantain Squirrel as diurnal (active by day). Source: [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), MamFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/MamFuncDat.txt).

See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/).

### What is the scientific classification of the Plantain Squirrel?

Scientific classification of the Plantain Squirrel: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Rodentia, family Sciuridae, genus *Callosciurus*, species *Callosciurus notatus*.

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

### Is the Plantain Squirrel endangered?

No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Plantain Squirrel is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2437396), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Plantain Squirrel is a protected species, consult the current national list of [protected species](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/protected/) or contact the local [BKSDA](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/) (natural resources conservation office).

## Sources & references

1. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/2437396)
2. [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2437396&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)
3. [GBIF species treatments — natural-history accounts](https://api.gbif.org/v1/species/2437396/descriptions)
4. [iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/45945)
5. [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callosciurus%20notatus)
6. [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Callosciurus_notatus/)
7. [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/)
8. [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), MamFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/MamFuncDat.txt)
9. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Keep exploring

- [Black-striped Squirrel](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/callosciurus-nigrovittatus/)
- [Prevost's Squirrel](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/callosciurus-prevostii/)
- [Black Giant Squirrel](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/ratufa-bicolor/)
- [Javan Porcupine](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/hystrix-javanica/)
- [Whitish Dwarf Squirrel](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/prosciurillus-leucomus/)
- [Mainland Leopard Cat](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/prionailurus-bengalensis/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Plantain Squirrel. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/callosciurus-notatus/