About Ratufa affinis (Raffles, 1821)
The cream-coloured giant squirrel (scientific name Ratufa affinis) is one of the largest species of squirrel. Its head-and-body length ranges from 31 to 38 cm (1 ft 0 in to 1 ft 3 in), its tail length ranges from 37 to 44 cm (1 ft 3 in to 1 ft 5 in), and it weighs between 875 and 1,500 g (1.929 to 3.307 lb). On average, adult cream-coloured giant squirrels of both sexes have a head-and-body length of roughly 34 cm (1 ft 1 in) and a tail length of 42 cm (1 ft 5 in). Average weight differs by sex: females weigh approximately 1,250 g (2.76 lb) while males weigh approximately 1,050 g (2.31 lb). As the species’ common name suggests, most individuals are overall cream to very light orangish-brown, with whitish-cream underparts. In Borneo and the nearby small islands where it is the only Ratufa giant squirrel, some populations match the appearance of cream-coloured giant squirrels from other regions. However, most populations in this area have medium-dark grey (sometimes almost black) upperparts that contrast strongly with their whitish-cream underparts. Their flanks and thighs may have a reddish-buff tinge, and their cheeks are orangish. This species lives in lower montane and secondary forests, and frequently visits dipterocarp trees. It rarely enters plantations or human settlements, strongly preferring forest habitat. While cream-coloured giant squirrels primarily live in the upper canopy of the forest, they will sometimes come down to the ground to search for food or to cross gaps between trees.
