Fig 1
Fig 2
Fig 3
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Order : RODENTIA
Family : Sciuridae
Species : Callosciurus caniceps
Head-Body Length : 22 cm
Tail Length :
Weight : 280 grams
The Grey-bellied Squirrel
occurs in a variety of habitats including primary and secondary forests,
disturbed habitats and mature parks and gardens. It is generally not shy,
and may approach close to human habitation. Its diet comprises fruits,
seeds, flowers and insects.
The upperside of the body
is olive brown, and the belly light grey or silvery. The long tail is thick with
fur, sometimes with vague grey banding and sometimes a black tip. In some
forms there is a reddish wash on the flanks. During the dry season the upperside
turns orange-brown, thus the species is sometimes referred to as
the Golden-backed Squirrel.
Various subspecies are currently recognised, two of which are illustrated
here.
The Grey-bellied Squirrel occurs in southern Myanmar, most of Thailand,
western parts of Laos, and most of Peninsular Malaysia (except the
southernmost areas). Its range does not extend to Singapore. The
species has been
introduced to parts of Japan.
Fig 1 : Typical specimen of the subspecies C. caniceps concolor from
lower montane forest at Fraser's Hill, Peninsular Malaysia.
Fig 2 : Another example of C. caniceps concolor from
lowland forest on Langkawi Island, northern Peninsular Malaysia.
Fig 3 :
The subspecies C.
caniceps bimaculatus has a reddish
tinge under the throat and belly. Seen at Krabi, southern Thailand.
Figs 4 and 5 : Two examples from Kaeng Krachan National Park, Phetchaburi province, Thailand.
Photos thanks to Charles Currin.
References :
Francis, C.M., 2001. Mammals of South-east Asia. New Holland.
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