Dremomys – Red-cheeked squirrels

A group of charming, forest-dwelling squirrels native to South and Southeast Asia. These squirrels inhabit mountain forests, subtropical woodlands, bamboo thickets, and dense understory vegetation from the Himalayas through Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and south into Malaysia and Indonesia. Their habitats are often steep, humid, and rich in plant life — conditions that have shaped Dremomys into agile, alert, and highly versatile squirrels.

What makes Dremomys squirrels so distinctive is their appearance. Members of this genus typically have warm brown or olive-gray coats, accented by reddish or copper-colored cheeks, ears, or facial patches. These bright markings give them a striking look compared to the more plain-colored tree squirrels found in other regions. Their bodies are slender, with strong limbs and sharp claws adapted for climbing, while their long, bushy tails help balance them as they leap and maneuver through branches. They are slightly larger and more robust than many other Asian squirrels, giving them an almost “mini-marmot” appearance at times.

Behaviorally, red-cheeked squirrels are fast, alert, and resourceful. They spend much of their time in trees, but they are also comfortable on the ground, darting through leaf litter to forage for food. Their diet is varied and includes fruits, seeds, nuts, shoots, insects, bird eggs, and fungi, making them omnivores with a flexible approach to feeding. This dietary versatility helps them thrive in forests where food availability shifts with the seasons. Their sharp senses — especially their hearing and vision — make them quick to react to predators such as snakes, civets, and raptors. Unlike some highly social squirrel species, Dremomys individuals are often solitary or loosely associated with others, coming together mainly when food sources are abundant.