Ratufa bicolor melanopepla

(Miller, 1900)

Vernacular names
English : Black giant squirrel
French : Ecureuil géant de Malaisie

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Rodentia
Family : Sciuridae
Notes : 10 other subspecies known. Three other subspecies are  believed to occur from Myanmar to Peninsular Malaysia and Natuna islands but their status needs to be better understood. From the scientific descriptions, it seems that melanopepla is the subspecies found in Peninsular Malaysia.

Identification
The species can grow to 37 cm in length with a 42 cm long tail and a weight of 1,3 kg. Very long bushy tail. Fur black to brownish-black on back and flanks, cream-yellow to orange-yellow on breast, belly and cheeks. This subspecies has black back with slight dark red-brown tinge on upper back and tail. Belly with strong orange-yellow coloration.

Range and habitat
This subspecies is found in southern Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia (including nearby islands such as Pulau Tioman, Penang and Langkawi although these populations could be endemic subspecies to be discovered). The species is found from the Himalayas and south China to Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Java. It lives mostly in primary and old secondary forests, rarely in suburban parks (when forest cover is good enough) and can be found from sea level to 2500 meters asl.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NEAR THREATENED
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is more and more threatened by habitat loss and hunting for bushmeat and pet trade throughout its range. Insular subspecies (especially from Indonesia) are likely to be in critical shape.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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