Three-striped Ground Squirrel (Lariscus insignis) lives in tropical rainforest across Southeast Asia. It feeds on fruits and insects. Its conservation status is Least Concern.
Fascinating facts about the Three-striped Ground Squirrel
- Thirty-eight previous parasite studies in Malaysian rodents uncovered a hidden parasite community: 44 ectoparasite species and 58 endoparasite species across 19 rodent hosts. Among them, six ectoparasites and eight endoparasites are known to jump to people, and the overall count of recorded zoonotic infections has risen in recent decades.
- Species diversity (H') was highest at Terla A Forest Reserve, outpacing both Bertam and Bukit Bujang reserves, while the boundary and disturbed areas each held eight species with H' values of 2.025 and 1.992 respectively. The restoration zone lagged far behind with only three species and an H' of 0.950.
- Deforestation in the Cameron Highlands has surged in recent years to accommodate a booming human population, sparking rapid urbanisation and a wave of anthropogenic disturbance that degrades natural habitats. This pressure threatens the mosaic of forest types that support non-volant mammals, including the three-striped ground squirrel.
- Camera traps across four habitats in the Cameron Highlands recorded Lariscus insignis more often than any other small mammal, making it the most frequently captured species on video. While 80 live traps were also set.
- Fieldwork in the highlands unfolded over two sampling phases from August 2020 to January 2021, deploying 80 live traps along transects and scattering 10 camera traps randomly in each forest block.
At a glance
RangeSoutheast Asia
HabitatTropical rainforest
DietFruits and insects
About the Three-striped Ground Squirrel
In the sun-drenched grasslands, the three-striped ground squirrel darts with reckless abandon, its slender form weaving through the tall blades with an air of whimsical urgency. As it moves, the warm light catches the distinctive stripes that run like dark brushstrokes along its back, a striking visual signature that sets this diminutive creature apart from its surroundings. With each nimble bound, the squirrel seems to embody the very essence of joyful freedom, its unbridled energy a testament to the untamed beauty of its native habitat.
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