A fascinating yet mysterious rodent found in the dense tropical forests of Borneo. Its tail is visually striking and serves an important role, possibly for camouflage or as a distraction to predators. The tufted ground squirrel is medium-sized, with soft, grayish-brown fur and a white underside. Its most distinctive feature, however, remains its extraordinary tail, which has earned it a reputation among wildlife enthusiasts.

This elusive creature is primarily found in lowland and montane forests, often near rivers or in areas with thick vegetation. Despite its name, the tufted ground squirrel is not strictly ground-dwelling. It is highly adaptable, spending time both on the forest floor and in the trees. Its diet consists mainly of fruits, nuts, and seeds, which it collects with remarkable agility. It is also believed to consume insects and possibly small animals, though its feeding habits are not fully understood due to its secretive nature.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the tufted ground squirrel is its reputation for being “vampire-like.” Local folklore and some studies suggest that this squirrel might prey on deer. According to these stories, the squirrel leaps onto the deer’s neck, bites it, and drinks its blood. While this behavior has not been scientifically confirmed, it has added to the creature’s mystique, making it a subject of curiosity among researchers.
Ecologically, the tufted ground squirrel plays an important role in its habitat. Foraging and burying seeds helps with forest regeneration, promoting the growth of plants and trees. Its activities also contribute to the health of the ecosystem by dispersing seeds and controlling insect populations.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Brunei

2016

Indonesia

2016

Kalimantan

Malaysia

2016

Sarawak, Sabah