Squirrels of the World

Lariscus obscurus 171

Lariscus niobe (Thomas, 1898)

Niobe Ground Squirrel

description: The Niobe ground squirrel is the darkest of
the Lariscus species. The dorsal pelage is so dark that the
black lateral stripes are not visible. The ventral pelage is
tinged dark. The tail is short, with a dark line of grizzled
black and buff running along the center of the underside.

size: Female—HB 194.6 mm (n = 13); T 85.6 mm (n = 13).
Male—HB 189.8 mm (n = 8); T 90.4 mm (n = 7).

distribution: This species is found in Indonesia, both in
the mountains of western Sumatra and in the Idjen (= Ijen)
Mountains of eastern Java.

geographic variation: Two subspecies are recognized.

L. n. niobe—Sumatra (Indonesia). See description above.
L. n. vulcanus—Java (Indonesia). The hairs on the tail are
tipped with buff or tawny rather than white.

conservation: IUCN status—data defi cient. Population
trend—no information.

habitat: This species can be found in primary and second-
ary forests and in scrublands.

natural history: No information is available.

general references: H. C. Robinson and Kloss 1918.

Lariscus obscurus (Miller, 1903)

Mentawai Three-Striped Squirrel

description: The Mentawai three-striped squirrel is dis-

tinguishable by its dark dorsum and faint longitudinal strip-

ing, as well as by its dark gray venter, which lacks any buff

coloration and sometimes has a pale silvery central area.

The animal also has a particularly long muzzle.

Lariscus niobe. Photo courtesy Israel Didham.