For every animal. For a shared future.A nonprofit initiative
PanduanHewanKENALI · PEDULI · LINDUNGI
IDNeed help?

PANDUANHEWAN · INDONESIA

Prevost's Squirrel

Prevost's Squirrel (Callosciurus prevostii). Prevost's squirrel shows strongly contrasting fur colours that vary regionally and occupies forests in Sumatra, Borneo and the Malay Peninsula.

PanduanHewan·Updated 23 September 2026·Callosciurus prevostii
About this guideThis 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.
Photograph of Prevost's Squirrel (Callosciurus prevostii).
(c) Tim, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC BY 4.0 · Photograph cropped for layout.

What is the Prevost's Squirrel?

Prevost's Squirrel refers to Callosciurus prevostii, 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 ↗

What is known about the Prevost's Squirrel?

Prevost's squirrel shows strongly contrasting fur colours that vary regionally and occupies forests in Sumatra, Borneo and the Malay Peninsula.

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 ↗

Habitat and field observations of the Prevost's Squirrel

Prevost's squirrels eat seeds and fruit pulp along with other plant parts and some insects. Foraging and local abundance can change with fruiting seasons.

Evidence: GBIF species treatments — natural-history accounts ↗

How many Indonesian records name the Prevost's Squirrel?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 79 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 ↗

Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include Riau, Sumatera Utara, Lampung. 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 ↗

How can you observe the Prevost's 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 Prevost's Squirrel with Plantain Squirrel, Black-striped 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.

Sources & references

  1. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
  2. GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
  3. GBIF species treatments — natural-history accounts ↗
  4. iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
  5. Species account — background reading ↗

References can change. Check dates and context in the original source.