Prevost's Squirrel

Callosciurus prevostii

A striking black, white and red-brown tree squirrel from the forests of Southeast Asia.

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About the Prevost's Squirrel

Prevost's squirrels are 5 to 11 inches long, with tails 3 to 10 inches long, and weigh about 11 ounces. A white stripe separates the black back from the reddish-brown belly. They live on the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, Sulawesi and nearby islands, in forests, farms and gardens. They are excellent climbers and jumpers and are most active at dawn and dusk.^[1]

Quick facts

Scientific name: Callosciurus prevostii^[1]
Size: 5 to 11 inches long, plus a 3- to 10-inch tail.^[1]
Weight: About 11 ounces.^[1]
Lifespan: About 15 years in human care.^[1]
Diet: Omnivore. Fruit, nuts, seeds, buds, flowers, insects and bird eggs.^[1]
Habitat: Lowland and mountain forests, farms and gardens.^[1]
Where it lives: The Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, Sulawesi and nearby islands.^[1]
Group life: Alone or in small family groups. Most active at dawn and dusk.^[1]
Babies: Up to 3 litters a year of 1 or 2 young, after about a 5-week pregnancy.^[1]
Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN Red List, assessed 2016).^[2]

Fun facts

Prevost's squirrels use their tails like flags to send signals.^[1]
They wrap their tails around themselves for warmth at night.^[1]
Tree squirrels like these don't hibernate.^[1]

Vocabulary

crepuscular: Most active at dawn and dusk.
arboreal: Living mostly in trees.
hibernate: To spend the winter in a deep, sleep-like state.
omnivore: An animal that eats both plants and other animals.
least concern: A conservation label meaning a species is widespread and not at risk of dying out soon.

See it in person

Smithsonian's National ZooWashington, D.C. · Small Mammal HouseSee this animal on the zoo's website ↗

These zoos had this animal when we gathered our information, but animals sometimes move. Check the zoo's website or contact the zoo before you visit.

Sources

[1] Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute. “Prevost's squirrel.” https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/prevosts-squirrel (accessed 2026-10-08)
[2] IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. “Callosciurus prevostii (Prevost's Squirrel).” https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/3603/22253650 (accessed 2026-10-08)