# 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.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/callosciurus-prevostii/ · Updated 1 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/callosciurus-prevostii/
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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

Prevost's Squirrel (*Callosciurus prevostii*) is a mammal in the family Sciuridae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Riau, North Sumatra, Lampung. Diet: fruit and seeds (occasionally insects and eggs); a herbivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Callosciurus prevostii* |
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Sciuridae |
| Observation records | Riau, North Sumatra, Lampung |
| Taxonomic group | Rodentia |
| GBIF records | 79 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2437397) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Herbivore (plant-eater) — fruit and seeds (occasionally insects and eggs) · [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Callosciurus_prevostii/) |
| 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 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](https://www.gbif.org/species/2437397)

## 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](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callosciurus%20prevostii)

## 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](https://api.gbif.org/v1/species/2437397/descriptions)

## 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](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2437397&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include Riau, North Sumatra, 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](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2437397&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## 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.

## Scientific classification of the Prevost's Squirrel

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

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

## Common questions about Prevost's Squirrel

### What is the scientific name of Prevost's Squirrel?

The scientific name of Prevost's Squirrel is *Callosciurus prevostii*, in the family Sciuridae and the order Rodentia.

### What kind of animal is Prevost's Squirrel?

Prevost's Squirrel is a mammal in the family Sciuridae. By diet it is a herbivore (plant-eater): a fruit and seeds (occasionally insects and eggs).

### Where does Prevost's Squirrel live in Indonesia?

Observation records of Prevost's Squirrel summarised in this guide mainly come from Riau, North Sumatra, Lampung. That list is not a complete range map.

### What does Prevost's Squirrel eat?

Prevost's Squirrel is a fruit and seeds (occasionally insects and eggs). That makes it a herbivore (plant-eater). Source: [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Callosciurus_prevostii/).

### How does Prevost's Squirrel reproduce?

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

### Is Prevost's Squirrel nocturnal?

The cited source records Prevost's 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 Prevost's Squirrel?

Scientific classification of Prevost's Squirrel: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Rodentia, family Sciuridae, genus *Callosciurus*, species *Callosciurus prevostii*.

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

### Is Prevost's Squirrel endangered?

No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, Prevost's 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/2437397), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether Prevost's 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/2437397)
2. [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2437397&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/2437397/descriptions)
4. [iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/45955)
5. [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callosciurus%20prevostii)
6. [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Callosciurus_prevostii/)
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

- [Plantain Squirrel](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/callosciurus-notatus/)
- [Black-striped Squirrel](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/callosciurus-nigrovittatus/)
- [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/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Prevost's Squirrel. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/callosciurus-prevostii/