Ever catch a glimpse of a quick, bushy-tailed critter darting around in Bali? That’s probably one of the island’s squirrels. Bali actually has a few squirrel species—plantain (tricoloured) squirrel, giant black squirrel, and even flying squirrels—living in forests, parks, and sometimes right near hotels.
So, how do you tell these species apart? Where do they like to hang out? What makes them such a quirky part of Bali’s wildlife scene?
Keep scrolling for photos, behavior tips, and the best spots to look for each type.
Types of Squirrels Found in Bali
Most squirrels you’ll see in Bali live in trees and munch on fruits, seeds, and flowers. Some pop up in villages and parks, while others stick to forest patches or national parks.
Plantain Squirrel (Callosciurus notatus)
The plantain squirrel, Callosciurus notatus, stands out as one of the most common squirrels in Bali’s towns and gardens. It sports a reddish-brown belly, a dark back, and those black-and-white side stripes make it easier to spot up in the trees.
You might see it dash along branches, snacking on fruit, seeds, and flowers. This squirrel usually measures about 20–30 cm long, not counting the tail, and it moves fast through the canopy and park trees.
Plantain squirrels seem pretty unfazed by humans and often nest in tree hollows or build leafy dreys. You’ll probably run into them near hotels, temples, and roadside trees instead of deep in the forest.
For more details and photos, check out the Plantain Squirrel (Callosciurus notatus).
Subspecies and Related Genus
In Bali and nearby islands, Callosciurus comes in several local forms and subspecies. People have reported subspecies like C. n. miniatus and C. n. notatus, though their ranges and status can shift depending on the island or author.
You’ll notice differences in color, stripes, and size when you compare squirrels from different spots.
Besides Callosciurus, Bali’s got other genera like Ratufa and small gliding squirrels in the genus Iomys. The giant black squirrel, Ratufa bicolor, shows up in some parts of Bali and nearby islands. It’s much bigger and darker than the plantain squirrel.
The Javanese flying squirrel (Iomys horsfieldii) glides between trees at night, using its skin membrane. If you want to see more about these bigger or gliding species, here’s a mention of the giant black squirrel and other Bali mammals.
Presence of Non-native Squirrels
Some sources say squirrels aren’t part of Bali’s wild fauna, but they’re usually talking about introduced or zoo-kept species. You’ll only find non-native or captive squirrels in wildlife parks or private collections, and they haven’t formed wild populations on the island.
If you’re worried about rabies, local reports point to dogs as the main risk—not tree squirrels. Still, you really shouldn’t handle wild squirrels. It’s safer for everyone that way.
If you want to dig into rabies concerns and sightings in Bali, here’s an article on squirrels and rabies in Bali.
Squirrels Within Bali’s Unique Wildlife
You’ll spot several squirrel species in Bali’s forests, parks, and gardens. They hang out near people, share space with monkeys, and play a real role in spreading seeds around.
Typical Habitats and Distribution in Bali
Squirrels in Bali live everywhere from lowland coastal woods up to the montane forests near Kintamani. The plantain squirrel (Callosciurus notatus) pops up in city parks, temple grounds, and even in cacao or coconut groves.
The bigger black giant squirrel (Ratufa bicolor) prefers older, taller forests and shows up around West Bali National Park, where big trees still stand.
You might spot squirrels near trails used by both tourists and locals. They love fruiting trees, where they feed on seeds, fruits, and flowers.
Up in Kintamani’s higher areas, squirrels share their territory with free-roaming dogs like the Kintamani dog, but they stick to the trees. Squirrels avoid rice paddies but use garden strips and riverside areas to get around.
Interactions With Other Local Animals
Squirrels compete with long-tailed macaques for fruit and young shoots in temples and gardens. Macaques sometimes chase squirrels, especially around touristy spots where there’s extra food.
Birds like hornbills and parrots eat some of the same fruits, but since they stick to different parts of the canopy, they don’t really clash much.
Big raptors and snakes hunt squirrels in the forest canopy. Squirrels also influence the Bali starling’s world by affecting which trees grow where, thanks to their seed-spreading habits.
Near villages, you’ll see squirrels change their behavior because of dogs, cats, and people who either feed or chase them.
Conservation and Ecological Impact
Squirrels don’t just scamper around—they actually spread seeds and sometimes even pollinate trees. So, believe it or not, your neighborhood squirrel plays a real part in forest recovery and even helps fruit grow in gardens.
In places like West Bali National Park, squirrels show up as a key part of the food web. They end up supporting raptors and carnivores, which is kind of fascinating if you think about it.
But things aren’t always rosy. Deforestation, people taking squirrels for pets, and broken-up habitats have made it tough for squirrel populations to move around and survive.
If you want to make a difference, you can skip feeding wildlife, support native tree planting, or just respect protected areas. Keeping old trees and connected canopies in place really helps squirrels—and honestly, it’s good for species like the Bali starling, too.
