Sulawesi Giant Squirrel
VU

Sulawesi Giant Squirrel

Rubrisciurus rubriventer

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red-bellied_squirrel

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Sulawesi Giant Squirrel faces severe pressure from deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its endemic range in Sulawesi's montane forests. Agricultural expansion, particularly for cocoa and coffee plantations, has eliminated significant portions of its preferred primary forest habitat. Hunting pressure for bushmeat and the pet trade compounds these threats, as the species' large size makes it a conspicuous target for local hunters.

Threat summary

Habitat

This arboreal species inhabits primary and secondary montane forests of Sulawesi, typically at elevations between 400-2,000 meters. It shows strong preference for intact forest canopy with large trees that provide both nesting sites and abundant fruit resources.

Other threatened species in Sciuridae

VU

Lowland Long-nosed Squirrel

Hyosciurus ileile

Unknown
Little Ground SquirrelCR

Little Ground Squirrel

Spermophilus pygmaeus

Unknown

Threatened in Indonesia

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
CR

Macrobrachium purpureamanus

Unknown
CR

Parakysis notialis

Unknown
VU

Dichapetalum sordidum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Sulawesi Giant Squirrel classified as Vulnerable?
Sulawesi Giant Squirrel is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Sulawesi Giant Squirrel faces severe pressure from deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its endemic range in Sulawesi's montane forests. Agricultural expansion, particularly for cocoa and coffee plantations, has eliminated significant portions of its preferred primary forest habitat. Hunting pressure for bushmeat and the pet trade compounds these threats, as the species' large size makes it a conspicuous target for local hunters.
Where does Sulawesi Giant Squirrel live?
Sulawesi Giant Squirrel occurs in Indonesia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Sulawesi Giant Squirrel?
The main threats to Sulawesi Giant Squirrel are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.