Wildlifeof Vietnam
Southern Black Giant Squirrel
Squirrels & Flying Squirrels
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Ratufa bicolor
Rare visitor: recorded only occasionally in this country
Basic stats
Diet
Seeds, pine cones, fruit and leaves
Habitat
Forest from sea level to at least 2,500m
Range
Northern Bangladesh, north-east India, eastern Nepal, Bhutan, southern China and Southeast Asia
Size
Head and body 34–37cm; tail 41–42cm
Weight
1.05–1.25kg
The black giant squirrel, or Malayan giant squirrel, is one of the largest squirrels in the world. The back, top of the head, ears and bushy tail are deep brown to black, and the underparts are light buff. An adult weighs about 1.05 to 1.25 kg, with a head and body of 34 to 37 cm and a tail of 41 to 42 cm (Wikipedia, general species account).
It is found in forests from northern Bangladesh, north-east India and eastern Nepal to Southeast Asia, from sea level up to at least 2,500 m. It is diurnal and arboreal but sometimes climbs down from the canopy to feed on the ground, taking seeds, pine cones, fruit and leaves. In some places it is protected from hunting by law or tradition.
Quick answers
- What does the Southern Black Giant Squirrel eat?
- Seeds, pine cones, fruit and leaves
- What habitat does the Southern Black Giant Squirrel live in?
- Forest from sea level to at least 2,500m
- Where is the Southern Black Giant Squirrel found?
- Northern Bangladesh, north-east India, eastern Nepal, Bhutan, southern China and Southeast Asia
- How big is the Southern Black Giant Squirrel?
- Head and body 34–37cm; tail 41–42cm
- How much does the Southern Black Giant Squirrel weigh?
- 1.05–1.25kg