Ratufa affinis (Raffles, 1821)

Taxonomic Identity

The cream-coloured giant squirrel (scientific name Ratufa affinis) is one of the largest species of squirrel.

Size Measurements

Its head-and-body length ranges from 31 to 38 cm (1 ft 0 in to 1 ft 3 in), its tail length ranges from 37 to 44 cm (1 ft 3 in to 1 ft 5 in), and it weighs between 875 and 1,500 g (1.929 to 3.307 lb).

Average Adult Size

On average, adult cream-coloured giant squirrels of both sexes have a head-and-body length of roughly 34 cm (1 ft 1 in) and a tail length of 42 cm (1 ft 5 in).

Sexual Size Dimorphism

Average weight differs by sex: females weigh approximately 1,250 g (2.76 lb) while males weigh approximately 1,050 g (2.31 lb).

Typical Coloration

As the species’ common name suggests, most individuals are overall cream to very light orangish-brown, with whitish-cream underparts.

Borneo Population Morphology

In Borneo and the nearby small islands where it is the only Ratufa giant squirrel, some populations match the appearance of cream-coloured giant squirrels from other regions.

Borneo Dark Morph Coloration

However, most populations in this area have medium-dark grey (sometimes almost black) upperparts that contrast strongly with their whitish-cream underparts.

Secondary Coloration Details

Their flanks and thighs may have a reddish-buff tinge, and their cheeks are orangish.

Habitat Preferences

This species lives in lower montane and secondary forests, and frequently visits dipterocarp trees.

Anthropogenic Habitat Avoidance

It rarely enters plantations or human settlements, strongly preferring forest habitat.

Canopy and Ground Behavior

While cream-coloured giant squirrels primarily live in the upper canopy of the forest, they will sometimes come down to the ground to search for food or to cross gaps between trees.