NATIVE RANGE
Where it is found
The Horse-tailed Squirrel is native to Southeast Asia.
Its range includes:
The species is found throughout parts of the Malay Peninsula and the Sunda Islands.
Thailand
Malaysia
Indonesia (Sumatra and Borneo)
Brunei
TREE SQUIRRELS · SPECIES PROFILE
Horse-tailed Squirrel
Sundasciurus hippurus
Least Concern
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Body length20–24 cm (8–9 in)
Tail length20–25 cm (8–10 in)
Weight~250–350 g
Fur colorBrown to dark brown
Breeding seasonUnknown
Gestation~40–45 days
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Classification
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassMammalia
OrderRodentia
FamilySciuridae
GenusSundasciurus
SpeciesSundasciurus hippurus
HABITAT
Where it lives
Horse-tailed Squirrels inhabit tropical forest environments.
Typical habitats include:
They are most commonly found in dense forests with abundant tree cover.
Lowland tropical rainforests
Secondary forests
Forest edges
Woodland areas
RANGE & HABITAT CONTEXT
Compare form, setting and structure
Related tree squirrels help break up the reference while showing how habitat, body form and movement can vary across the broader group.
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Nest & Shelter
Horse-tailed Squirrels build nests known as dreys in trees.
Typical nest characteristics include:
They may also occasionally use tree cavities as shelter.
Constructed from twigs, leaves, bark fibers, and grass
Located in tree forks or dense branches
Positioned within the forest canopy
Used for resting and raising young
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Physical Profile
Body length20–24 cm (8–9 in)
Tail length20–25 cm (8–10 in)
Weight~250–350 g
Fur colorBrown to dark brown
BellyPale gray or cream
Distinct featureVery long, horse-like tail
TailLong and slender with bushy fur
The species is named for its long tail resembling the flowing tail of a horse.
BEHAVIOR & FORAGING CONTEXT
Keep behavior connected to the animal
These are related tree squirrels, not photographs of Horse-tailed Squirrel. Use them as visual context for locomotion, posture, feeding and environmental use.
BEHAVIOR
How it behaves
Horse-tailed Squirrels are diurnal and arboreal.
Typical behaviors include:
They are agile climbers well adapted to forest environments.
Moving rapidly through tree canopies
Foraging among branches and forest understory
Living solitary or in pairs
Producing alarm calls when threatened
DIET
What it eats
Horse-tailed Squirrels are omnivorous.
Common foods include:
Their feeding habits help contribute to seed dispersal in tropical forests.
Fruits
Seeds
Nuts
Tree buds
Bark
Insects
GROUP DIVERSITY
See the wider group around this species
Squirrels in the same broad group can look and live very differently. These credited references provide comparison without changing the facts for Horse-tailed Squirrel.
REPRODUCTION
Breeding & Young
Breeding seasonUnknown
Gestation~40–45 days
Litter size2–3 young
Young squirrels are raised in leaf nests located in tree branches.
LIFESPAN
Longevity
Unknown
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Conservation
STATUS Least Concern
IUCN Status: Least Concern
The Horse-tailed Squirrel is widespread throughout its Southeast Asian range and is not currently considered threatened.