# Black Giant Squirrel

> Black Giant Squirrel (Ratufa bicolor). The black giant squirrel is a large forest tree-squirrel; its size and bushy tail distinguish it from the much smaller plantain squirrel.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/ratufa-bicolor/ · Updated 1 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/ratufa-bicolor/
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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 Black Giant Squirrel (*Ratufa bicolor*) is a mammal in the family Sciuridae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Bali, West Java, Aceh. Diet: fruit and seed eater; a herbivore. IUCN Red List status: Near Threatened.

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Ratufa bicolor* |
| Indonesian name | Jelarang Hitam |
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Sciuridae |
| Observation records | Bali, West Java, Aceh |
| Linked habitats | [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/) |
| Taxonomic group | Rodentia |
| GBIF records | 184 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Near Threatened · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2437566) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Herbivore (plant-eater) — fruit and seed eater · [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Ratufa_bicolor/) |
| Reproduction | Giving birth to live young (viviparous) · [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · [Ratufa bicolor (black giant squirrel) – Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Ratufa_bicolor/) |

## What is the Black Giant Squirrel?

Black Giant Squirrel refers to Ratufa bicolor, in the genus Ratufa, 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/2437566)

## What is known about the Black Giant Squirrel?

The black giant squirrel is a large forest tree-squirrel; its size and bushy tail distinguish it from the much smaller plantain squirrel.

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/Ratufa%20bicolor)

## Habitat and field observations of the Black Giant Squirrel

Black giant squirrels mainly use continuous rainforest and forage in trees. Seeds are important food, with fruit and other plant material also recorded.

Evidence: [GBIF species treatments — natural-history accounts](https://api.gbif.org/v1/species/2437566/descriptions)

## How many Indonesian records name the Black Giant Squirrel?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 184 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=2437566&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, 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](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2437566&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## How can you observe the Black Giant 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 Black Giant Squirrel with Black-striped Squirrel, Whitish Dwarf Squirrel, Prevost's 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 Black Giant Squirrel

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

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

## Common questions about the Black Giant Squirrel

### What is the scientific name of the Black Giant Squirrel?

The scientific name of the Black Giant Squirrel is *Ratufa bicolor*, in the family Sciuridae and the order Rodentia. In Indonesian it is called Jelarang Hitam.

### What kind of animal is the Black Giant Squirrel?

The Black Giant Squirrel is a mammal in the family Sciuridae. By diet it is a herbivore (plant-eater): a fruit and seed eater.

### Where does the Black Giant Squirrel live in Indonesia?

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

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

### What does the Black Giant Squirrel eat?

The Black Giant Squirrel is a fruit and seed eater. That makes it a herbivore (plant-eater). Source: [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Ratufa_bicolor/).

### How does the Black Giant Squirrel reproduce?

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

### Is the Black Giant Squirrel nocturnal?

The cited source records the Black Giant Squirrel as diurnal (active by day). Source: [Ratufa bicolor (black giant squirrel) – Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Ratufa_bicolor/).

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 Black Giant Squirrel?

Scientific classification of the Black Giant Squirrel: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Rodentia, family Sciuridae, genus *Ratufa*, species *Ratufa bicolor*.

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 Black Giant Squirrel endangered?

Not yet in a threatened category, but close to one. On the IUCN Red List, the Black Giant Squirrel is listed as Near Threatened: it is close to qualifying, or likely to qualify, for a threatened category in the near future. Source: [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2437566), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Black Giant 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/2437566)
2. [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2437566&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/2437566/descriptions)
4. [iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/46033)
5. [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratufa%20bicolor)
6. [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Ratufa_bicolor/)
7. [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/)
8. [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/)
- [Whitish Dwarf Squirrel](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/prosciurillus-leucomus/)
- [Prevost's Squirrel](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/callosciurus-prevostii/)
- [Plantain Squirrel](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/callosciurus-notatus/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Black Giant Squirrel. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/ratufa-bicolor/