# Whitish Dwarf Squirrel

> Whitish Dwarf Squirrel (Prosciurillus leucomus). The whitish dwarf squirrel is endemic to Sulawesi and nearby islands; its scientific name separates it from wider-ranging striped squirrels.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/prosciurillus-leucomus/ · Updated 1 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/prosciurillus-leucomus/
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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 Whitish Dwarf Squirrel (*Prosciurillus leucomus*) is a mammal in the family Sciuridae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from North Sulawesi, Sulawesi, Gorontalo. It is endemic to Indonesia, living naturally only in Northern peninsula of Sulawesi and Lembeh Island. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Prosciurillus leucomus* |
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Sciuridae |
| Observation records | North Sulawesi, Sulawesi, Gorontalo |
| Linked habitats | [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/) |
| Taxonomic group | Rodentia |
| GBIF records | 89 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2437464) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| 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) |
| Endemic to Indonesia | Yes — Northern peninsula of Sulawesi and Lembeh Island · [IUCN Red List](https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/112297404/22256289) |

## What is the Whitish Dwarf Squirrel?

Whitish Dwarf Squirrel refers to Prosciurillus leucomus, in the genus Prosciurillus, 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/2437464)

## What is known about the Whitish Dwarf Squirrel?

The whitish dwarf squirrel is endemic to Sulawesi and nearby islands; its scientific name separates it from wider-ranging striped 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/Prosciurillus%20leucomus)

## Habitat and field observations of the Whitish Dwarf Squirrel

This dwarf squirrel is reported from Sulawesi coastal lowland to montane forest. Direct food evidence is limited; suggestions of soft fruit and insects need field confirmation.

Evidence: [GBIF species treatments — natural-history accounts](https://api.gbif.org/v1/species/2437464/descriptions)

## How many Indonesian records name the Whitish Dwarf Squirrel?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 89 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=2437464&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include North Sulawesi, Sulawesi, Gorontalo. 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=2437464&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## How can you observe the Whitish Dwarf 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 Whitish Dwarf Squirrel with Prevost's Squirrel, Plantain 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 Whitish Dwarf Squirrel

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

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

## Common questions about the Whitish Dwarf Squirrel

### What is the scientific name of the Whitish Dwarf Squirrel?

The scientific name of the Whitish Dwarf Squirrel is *Prosciurillus leucomus*, in the family Sciuridae and the order Rodentia.

### What kind of animal is the Whitish Dwarf Squirrel?

The Whitish Dwarf Squirrel is a mammal in the family Sciuridae. It is also endemic to Indonesia.

### Where does the Whitish Dwarf Squirrel live in Indonesia?

Observation records of the Whitish Dwarf Squirrel summarised in this guide mainly come from North Sulawesi, Sulawesi, Gorontalo. That list is not a complete range map.

The Whitish Dwarf Squirrel is endemic to Indonesia and lives naturally only in Northern peninsula of Sulawesi and Lembeh Island. Source: [IUCN Red List](https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/112297404/22256289).

Source-supported habitats: [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/).

### How does the Whitish Dwarf Squirrel reproduce?

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

### Is the Whitish Dwarf Squirrel nocturnal?

The cited source records the Whitish Dwarf 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 Whitish Dwarf Squirrel?

Scientific classification of the Whitish Dwarf Squirrel: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Rodentia, family Sciuridae, genus *Prosciurillus*, species *Prosciurillus leucomus*.

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 Whitish Dwarf Squirrel endangered?

No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Whitish Dwarf 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/2437464), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Whitish Dwarf 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/2437464)
2. [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2437464&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/2437464/descriptions)
4. [iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/45970)
5. [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prosciurillus%20leucomus)
6. [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/)
7. [IUCN Red List](https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/112297404/22256289)
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

- [Prevost's Squirrel](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/callosciurus-prevostii/)
- [Plantain Squirrel](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/callosciurus-notatus/)
- [Black Giant Squirrel](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/ratufa-bicolor/)
- [Black-striped Squirrel](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/callosciurus-nigrovittatus/)
- [Javan Porcupine](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/hystrix-javanica/)
- [Sunda Colugo](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/galeopterus-variegatus/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Whitish Dwarf Squirrel. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/prosciurillus-leucomus/