Borneo Black-banded Squirrel (Callosciurus orestes) lives in tropical rainforest across Southeast Asia. It feeds on fruits and seeds. Its conservation status is Least Concern.
Fascinating facts about the Borneo Black-banded Squirrel
- Borneo black-banded squirrels live high up on the island, preferring forests between 1,000 and 1,700 m (3,300-5,600 ft) elevation. They have been recorded on Mount Kinabalu (1,000-1,700 m) and Mount Trusmadi (about 1,500 m), as well as on the Kelabit Highlands and Usun Apau above 1,000 m. This narrow altitude band ties the species to montane and upper dipterocarp forests.
- An adult Borneo black-banded squirrel weighs just 324 g (11.42 oz) and measures about 20 cm (8 in) from nose to tail base, roughly the size of a small paperback. Its compact body and light weight let it dart through the thin branches of lower montane and upper dipterocarp trees.
- Despite being a squirrel, the Borneo black-banded species is an omnivore that eats both plant and animal matter. Stomach analyses have revealed native fruits and black ants in their diet. and it also aids in seed dispersal for the plants whose fruits they eat.
- The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the Borneo black-banded squirrel as Least Concern because it occupies a wide middle-montane range across northern Borneo. Although some forest loss is occurring, it is not yet enough to push the species toward Near Threatened.
- Borneo black-banded squirrels breed year-round, but females carry more pregnancies from April to June, producing litters of two to four young with an average of three per birth.
Sources
Every fact above was checked against these pages, and kept only where one of them states it.
At a glance
RangeSoutheast Asia
HabitatTropical rainforest
DietFruits and seeds
About the Borneo Black-banded Squirrel
In the lush, emerald canopies of Borneo's ancient forests, the Borneo Black-banded Squirrel dances with effortless precision, its slender form weaving through the intricate network of branches with a fluidity that belies its tiny size. With each nimble leap, the squirrel's distinctive black bands seem to shimmer and ripple across its back, like the dark, glossy sheen on a still forest pool, as it pursues its endless quest for nuts and seeds in this vibrant, kinetic world. As it moves, the forest itself appears to come alive, the squirrel's very presence embodying the irrepressible energy and beauty of this tropical realm.
Hear the Borneo Black-banded Squirrel, and 4,400+ more
Real recorded sounds, 11 nature games and a free Daily 5, 1v1 quiz duels, conservation wins and a safe Kids mode. Free on Feravox.
