Identification:
- Body length: 184 mm
- Tail length: 140 mm
- Hind foot length: 40 mm
- Ear height: 16 – 22 mm
- Weight: 130 – 245 grams
- Skull length: 48.2 mm
- Zygomatic width: 24 – 28 mm
This is a medium-sized ground squirrel belonging to the family Sciuridae. It has a long snout and lacks hair on its ears. Two stripes are present on its flanks, but the color of its fur varies depending on geographical location and rainfall. In areas with high rainfall, it has a black stripe along its back and a black stripe between the white flank stripes. In drier areas with less rainfall, the ground squirrel is brown with only white flank stripes. The tail is usually shorter than the combined length of the head and body.
Ecology and Behavior:
This squirrel forages on the ground in forests, along forest edges, and in deciduous dipterocarp forests. They often emit loud calls in the morning. They also sometimes forage in cultivated areas. They inhabit elevations from 100m up to 1,200m. Although this species spends most of its time on the ground, it can occasionally be seen running along railings or up and down slopes or broken bamboo, but never far from the ground.
Distribution:
- Vietnam: Kontum, Đồng Nai (Cát Tiên), Lâm Đồng, Đắc Lắc (Yok Đôn National Park)
- World: Thailand, Cambodia
Value:
This is a rare species with scientific significance. Its attractive coloration makes it desirable to many people, leading to it being hunted. Strict measures to prohibit hunting are required. Protecting its habitat, especially the forests where it lives, is crucial.