Black-striped Squirrel

activity

Activity patterns. The Black-striped Squirrel is diurnal and arboreal, although details on its specific activity patterns are unknown. The leaf-nest is similar to that of the Graybellied Squirrel (C. caniceps), with an outer layer of twigs or coarse leaves and an inner layer of shredded materials.

Sciuridae

biology_ecology

Habitat. Canopy and undercanopy of primary and secondary forests. In Malaysia, the Black-striped Squirrel is approximately twice as common in disturbed areas as in places that are less disturbed by humans.

Sciuridae

biology_ecology

Movements, Home range and Social organization. At Krau Wildlife Reserve (Pahang, Malaysia), estimated population density of the Black-striped Squirrel is 5 ind / 100 ha. In Ulu Gombak Forest Reserve (Selangor, Malaysia), a single female had a home range estimated, in two different ways, to be 1 - 4 ha or 2 ha. In Ulu Gombak Forest Reserve, it reacts to terrestrial predators with a repeated staccato bark and tail flicking, which causes conspecific squirrels to run up a tree and be silent. The Black-striped Squirrel responds to an aerial predator with a soft “ chuckle ” if not immediately threatened, and with a “ rattle ” soundif it is a close encounter. Nearby squirrels react by freezing in position, and perhaps byjoining in the rattle call. In response to snakes, it give a squeak call, which causes other squirrels, sometimes ofthree different species, to join in mobbing the snake.

Sciuridae

breeding

Breeding. From 1948 to 1952 in the Ulu Gombak Forest Reserve, pregnant Blackstriped Squirrel females were recorded in every month, most frequently in April-June (20 %) and least often in October — December (8 %). Litter size was 1 - 4, with a mean of 2 - 2 young (n = 23 litters).

Sciuridae