Thailand     Malaysia      Indonesia 

Squirrels

Article by Scott Bazemore- 1997

Squirrels are found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. They range in size from 2 ½ - 3" to giants, three feet long. Most are some shades of browns and/or grays. The most colorful squirrels are from S.E. Asia.

S.E. Asia, Borneo, and many of the islands of the East Indies is the home to the most beautiful of Squirrels (Callosciurus prevostii). It goes by two names the Tri-colored Squirrel or Prevost Squirrel. They are about the same size as the common Gray Squirrel. Their color varies with location but generally they are black on the back and head, a white to cream stripe running down their sides and a red to fawn underneath. The tail is bushy and dark with a hint of red on the outer hairs.

Several U.S. Zoos are breeding them but they are not readily available to exotic animal owners. I acquired my pair, when a friend and I imported a shipment of reptiles out of Jakarta, Indonesia, in 1986. It is now 1996 and this pair has produced 27 young in the 10 years, and still going strong. Until recently we let the mother raise all the babies until they were weaned. These babies were tamed enough but not handleable. This last litter of two females we hand reared. They are totally handleable almost too much. As with all tree squirrels their claws are sharp for climbing, so as they run around on your shoulders you can feel it unless you are well padded.

In the last several years there has been a great demand for small exotic mammals (hedgehogs, sugar gliders, flying squirrels). Sugar gliders and Flying Squirrels are normally nocturnal and aren't out during the day. Hedgehogs are nice but not very cuddly. Tree squirrels (Prevost Squirrels) on the other hand are active all day long more to the amusement of their owners….

WHAT ARE PREVOST

SQUIRRELS LIKE?

by Pat Chauvin

photos by Pat Chauvin & Linda LaFrentz

There are many subspecies of Calloscurius Prevosti but only 3 of them will be featured. These squirrels are the most colorful in the world and the Latin word "Callo" means beautiful.

Indonesian -black face

Malaysian - white face

Tialand (Humei) - red shouldered

These species are usually friendly with people especially if they have enough space and are well cared for. As pets they are not like a domestic animal. They aren't  fond of being still very long, being picked up or being in crowded noisy conditions. Although they have good dispositions one should remember that they are wild animals and need to be around conditions that are not stressful. If you want a pet that worships you, these squirrels might, but they also love to be their own boss. Only your love and attention could win them to you and it has to be earned.

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