Squirrels of the World

Rubrisciurus rubriventer 181

R. l. saturatus—Sumatra (Indonesia) and southern Malay

Peninsula. This form is slightly darker.

conservation: IUCN status—near threatened. Population

trend—decreasing.

habitat: Rhinosciurus laticaudatus is terrestrial and is found

in tall and secondary forests.

natural history: This squirrel feeds on insects.

general references: Lekagul and McNeely 1977; J. Payne

and Francis 1985; H. C. Robinson and Kloss 1919.

Rhinosciurus laticaudus. Photo courtesy Nick Baker, www
.ecologyasia.com.

Rubrisciurus Ellerman, 1954

Rubrisciurus rubriventer (Müller and

Schlegel, 1844)

Sulawesi Giant Squirrel

description: This is the largest of the endemic squirrels
in Sulawesi (Indonesia). The tail is reddish brown, and the
reddish hue on the underparts extends to the inner and
outer surfaces of the limbs. The bright reddish tone dark-
ens to a reddish maroon on the shoulders, the sides of body,
and the dorsal surfaces of the limbs. The head and back are
brownish speckled with buff , orange, and black. The ears
have prominent glossy black tufts. The eyes have a dark
crescent above and are encircled by a wide buff y ring. The
juvenile coat is similar in coloration to that of the adults,
but muted.

size: Sex not stated—HB 250–305 mm; T 180–255 mm; Mass
500–860 g.

distribution: This species is probably found all over the
main island of Sulawesi (Indonesia), but there have not been
adequate survey eff orts to ascertain if it inhabits the east-

central peninsula or the southwestern peninsula. Except

for a few areas near the volcano Gunung Lompobatang,

the southwestern peninsula has been deforested, and it is

doubtful if this species occurs there. However, there are

This genus contains a single species, endemic to the island
of Sulawesi (Indonesia). Not much is known about this
beautiful squirrel. The most current information available
comes from G. Musser’s recent publication on the Sulawesi

squirrels and their associated sucking lice. More fi eldwork

on the natural history of the squirrels in this region of the

world is needed.