Black Giant Squirrel / Tupai Kerawak Hitam

Introduction

Black giant squirrels are widely distributed- from Nepal to Vietnam and as far south as Java.  About 10 subspecies are presently recognised.  With further study, it is likely some subspecies may be promoted to full species status.  In that case, our squirrel would be officially become the Malayan giant squirrel.

Momentarily frozen: a serpent-eagle was flying just 2 -3 metres above the canopy.

How is a giant squirrel different from an ordinary squirrel?

Characteristic	plantain squirrel	black giant squirrel
Head & body length	15-22 cm	34–37 cm
Tail length	21 cm	42 cm
Weight	160-260 g	1.0 -1.5 kg
Age	4 years in the wild. Up to 10 years in captivity.	6+ years in the wild. Up to 19 years in captivity.
Description	A medium sized squirrel, the tail often curls over the back.	In the ‘Top 10’ of largest squirrels in the world; the tail is always limp.

Ecology

Previously, black giant squirrels were only found in heavily forested highlands of 500 -2500 m elevation where they competed with monkeys for food.  As these forests disappeared, the giant squirrel population is thought to have declined by as much as 30%, resulting in ‘near threatened' status on the IUCN Red List (iucnredlist).  Sungai Buloh is open forest at an elevation of 40-50 m.  If giant squirrels can successfully make their home in lowland city forests their population should eventually recover.    

These squirrels are generally solitary and nest in the canopy of tall trees.  Giant squirrels are cautious animals; a single squirrel may make and use 6 or 7 different dreys (nests) throughout its territory.  Dreys are built of twigs and leaves and are about 70 cm across.  

A drey at Kepong Metropolitan park

Giant squirrels are most active in the morning and early evening, easily jumping 5 m or more from tree to tree.  Although their normal habitat is forest canopy they are also known to forage on the ground for fruit and nuts.  Feeding behaviour is not well studied.  Biologists believe they eat fruits, seeds, young leaves supplemented occasionally with  insects and birds eggs.  Farmers claim they invade orchards to eat fruit, including coconuts.  In times of seed abundance these squirrels have been known to cache food, either below ground, or more commonly in the forest canopy.  Scattered seeds can be lost though forgetfulness or pilferage.  Little is known about this behaviour in giant squirrels.  For those who enjoys maths, the scatter hoarder's problem has been studied in north American gray squirrels.

To us, males and females look alike.  However, the squirrels themselves can recognise male or female by scent marking.  As several male territories overlap with a single female territory, the doe’s two kittens often have different fathers.  Fathers do not contribute to kitten welfare.  Gestation lasts 28-35 days and weaning occurs after 5 weeks, after which the kittens must find their own territories.  Does are capable of raising two litters per year.

Giant squirrels are cryptically coloured (dark  above, pale below) and have a very wary disposition. Nevertheless, they can be targeted by civet cats, snakes and hawk-eagles.  They are known to freeze against a tree trunk when frightened.  Interestingly, although they do not live in groups, these squirrel warn their neighbours of threats, using a different alarm call depending on the type of predator.