About Callosciurus orestes (Thomas, 1895)
Taxonomy and Endemic Status
The Borneo black-banded squirrel, with the scientific name Callosciurus orestes (Thomas, 1895), is a rodent species that belongs to the Sciuridae family. This species is endemic to northern Borneo.
Elevation Range
It occurs at middle elevations in northern Borneo, and all its confirmed localities are montane sites in northern Borneo.
Sarawak Distribution Records
It has been recorded from Mount Dulit at elevations above 1,000 metres (3,300 ft), and reported from similar elevations at Usun Apau, the Kelabit Highlands, and the upper Sungai Terusan, all in northern Sarawak.
Sabah Distribution Records
It has also been recorded from Mount Kinabalu at 1,000–1,700 metres (3,300–5,600 ft) and Mount Trusmadi at about 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) in Sabah.
Habitat Preference
This squirrel appears to be restricted to lower montane forest and upper dipterocarp forest.
Upper Body Features
In terms of physical description, its upper body is finely speckled brown.
Markings and Underside
It has a pale buffy spot behind each ear, its underside is grey that sometimes has a reddish tinge, and it has a black and buffy-white stripe along its side.
Activity Pattern
Callosciurus orestes is diurnal, and it is active in small to medium-sized trees.
Diet
Recent examination of individuals from Mount Kinabalu found fruit and black ants in their guts.
