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IUCN status: Least ConcernSunda Colugo at a glance
The Sunda Colugo (Galeopterus variegatus) is a mammal in the family Cynocephalidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Banten, West Java, Aceh. Diet: young leaves, buds, flowers, fruit and sap (folivore); a herbivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.
| Scientific name | Galeopterus variegatus |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Kubung Sunda |
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Cynocephalidae |
| Observation records | Banten, West Java, Aceh |
| Linked habitats | Tropical Rainforests |
| Taxonomic group | Dermoptera |
| GBIF records | 92 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Herbivore (plant-eater) — young leaves, buds, flowers, fruit and sap (folivore) · Animal Diversity Web |
| Reproduction | Giving birth to live young (viviparous) · Animal Diversity Web |
| Active | Nocturnal (active at night) · Colugo - Galeopterus variegatus - Ecology Asia |
In this guide (13)
What is the Sunda Colugo?
Sunda Colugo refers to Galeopterus variegatus, in the genus Galeopterus, family Cynocephalidae, and order Dermoptera. 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.
What is known about the Sunda Colugo?
The Sunda colugo is neither lemur nor bat; a skin membrane between its limbs lets it glide between trees.
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 Sunda Colugo
Sunda colugos use forest canopy and some tree-covered gardens; canopy structure matters for gliding. Leaves are a reported main food, with plant choices varying by region.
Evidence: GBIF species treatments — natural-history accounts ↗
How many Indonesian records name the Sunda Colugo?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 92 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 Banten, West Java, Aceh. 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 Sunda Colugo?
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 Sunda Colugo with Northern Common Cuscus, Whitish Dwarf Squirrel, Javan Surili. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.
Explore related habitats
These habitat relationships are supported by species sources in this guide. This is not a complete range map.
Scientific classification of the Sunda Colugo
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Dermoptera |
| Family | Cynocephalidae |
| Genus | Galeopterus |
| Species | Galeopterus variegatus |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Sunda Colugo
What is the scientific name of the Sunda Colugo?
The scientific name of the Sunda Colugo is Galeopterus variegatus, in the family Cynocephalidae and the order Dermoptera. In Indonesian it is called Kubung Sunda.
What kind of animal is the Sunda Colugo?
The Sunda Colugo is a mammal in the family Cynocephalidae. By diet it is a herbivore (plant-eater): a young leaves, buds, flowers, fruit and sap (folivore).
Where does the Sunda Colugo live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the Sunda Colugo summarised in this guide mainly come from Banten, West Java, Aceh. That list is not a complete range map.
Source-supported habitats: Tropical Rainforests.
What does the Sunda Colugo eat?
The Sunda Colugo is a young leaves, buds, flowers, fruit and sap (folivore). That makes it a herbivore (plant-eater). Source: Animal Diversity Web.
How does the Sunda Colugo reproduce?
The Sunda Colugo reproduces by giving birth to live young (viviparous). Source: Animal Diversity Web.
Is the Sunda Colugo nocturnal?
The cited source records the Sunda Colugo as nocturnal (active at night). Source: Colugo - Galeopterus variegatus - Ecology Asia.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What is the scientific classification of the Sunda Colugo?
Scientific classification of the Sunda Colugo: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Dermoptera, family Cynocephalidae, genus Galeopterus, species Galeopterus variegatus.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Sunda Colugo endangered?
No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Sunda Colugo 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), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Sunda Colugo is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- GBIF species treatments — natural-history accounts ↗
- iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
- Species account — background reading ↗
- Animal Diversity Web ↗
- Animal Diversity Web ↗
- Colugo - Galeopterus variegatus - Ecology Asia ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
Further reading
Colugo: facts, threats and conservation ↗ — World Animal Rescue Network.
Related site: PanduanHewan’s founder is also a director of World Animal Rescue Network.
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Sunda Colugo (Galeopterus variegatus). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/galeopterus-variegatus/