Plantain Squirrel
About the Plantain Squirrel in Singapore
Last updated 29 May 2026
The Plantain Squirrel (Callosciurus notatus) is the most common squirrel and one of the most commonly encountered mammals in our urban parks and gardens.
Identifying features
Check out some of the identifying features of the Plantain Squirrel below.
Plantain Squirrels have fur that ranges from brown to light brown on their backs, with lighter, almost whitish undersides and a greyish tinge around the face. One of their most striking features is their long, bushy tail, which can be as long as their body and head combined. Look out for a thin, dark stripe running along each side of the body, a signature mark for this species.
Habitat and ecology
Usually seen scurrying across trees and jumping from branch to branch, Plantain squirrels communicate via loud chirps and chattering. With their strong claws and nimble bodies, plantain squirrels can swiftly scamper up trunks and leap from branch to branch.
They are excellent climbers and spend much of their time in trees, where they forage for fruits, seeds, and sometimes insects or small eggs. They are mainly active during the day and are most often seen in the morning or late afternoon.
Plantain Squirrels usually have litters of two or three young, which are cared for in leafy nests tucked safely away high in the trees.
Learn more about the Plantain Squirrel!
Curious about the Plantain Squirrel? Here are some interesting articles you can read to learn more about them.
