Gray-bellied Squirrel

activity

Activity patterns. The Gray-bellied Squirrel is most active from 1600 h to 1800 h, but it is also active in the morning. It is usually seen at heights of 0 - 10 m, less frequently at 10 - 15 m, and infrequently at greater heights or on the ground. Nest is spherical, with a poorly defined lateral entrance through an outer wall of small twigs or coarse leaves, which is lined with shredded fibrous material. Nest is usually in upper branches of a small tree or bush, but one was found on the ground at the foot of a bamboo clump, among leaf litter.

Sciuridae

biology_ecology

Habitat. Secondary and disturbed forests, and plantations and gardens. The Gray-bellied Squirrel occurs in lowland dipterocarp forests in Malaysia. In China, it also occurs in dipterocarp forests with thick brushy vegetation. It may be found at elevations of up to ¢. 2500 m, but it is more common at lower elevations.

Sciuridae

biology_ecology

Movements, Home range and Social organization. Among individuals, home ranges of overlap, both between and within sexes, with those of males averaging 2 - 4 - 2 - 6 ha, and those of females, 1: 2 - 1 - 5 ha. Home range of the Gray-bellied Squirrel does not change seasonally. They alert each other to presence of predators through specific calls, which appear to be related to type of predator observed. They appear to be well-habituated to presence of humans.

Sciuridae

breeding

Breeding. Female Gray-bellied Squirrels reach sexual maturity at approximately 230 g. When a female comes into estrus, she attracts 6 - 8 males and mates with 4 - 6 overa sixhour period. After mating with a female, a male gives a barking vocalization for 12 - 35 minutes, during which time the female and the other males do not move. In the Ulu Gombak Forest Reserve, pregnant females have been trapped in most months of the year, and littersize is 1 - 5, with a mean of 2: 2 (n = 14).

Sciuridae