Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
Habitat
This species primarily inhabits lowland tropical rainforests and secondary forests in Sulawesi, Indonesia, at elevations below 1,000 meters. It prefers areas with dense vegetation and tall trees for foraging and nesting, avoiding open or highly disturbed landscapes.
Diet
The Lowland Long-nosed Squirrel feeds mainly on fruits, seeds, and nuts from forest trees, supplemented by insects and occasionally bird eggs. It forages actively during the day, often climbing trees to access food sources, and may cache food items for later use.
Behavior
This squirrel is diurnal and arboreal, spending most of its time in trees where it forages and builds nests from leaves and twigs. It is generally solitary or lives in small family groups, showing territorial behavior by marking trees with scent glands. Notable behaviors include agile leaping between branches and a high-pitched alarm call to warn of predators.
Conservation Status
The IUCN classifies the Lowland Long-nosed Squirrel as Vulnerable due to habitat loss from deforestation and agriculture. Population trends are declining, with major threats including logging and human encroachment in Sulawesi.