Plantain Squirrel feasting on figs

YC Wee
on 9th June 2017

PlantainSquirrel-F. hispida [StevenChong]

Steven Chong made a most interesting observation on the different eating behaviour of the two Plantain Squirrels (Callosciurus notatus singapurensis). The squirrels were eating from this fruiting Rough-leafed Stem-fig (Ficus hispida) found growing by Bukit Drive near the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve (above). Angie Ng helped to identify the fig tree.

PlantainSquirrel-F. hispida [StevenChong]

One of the squirrels was peeling the skin quickly and munching away (above, below)…

…the other was upside down relishing slowly almost sipping the fig but actually nibbling very slowly, to each their own way of eating (below).

The video below shows one of the two squirrels looking for more ripe figs to eat.

Steven Chong & Angie Ng
Singapore
19th May 2017

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in the articles are solely those of the authors/contributors, and do not represent nor are they endorsed by the National University of Singapore (NUS), the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, National University of Singapore (LKCNHM, NUS) or any of NUS’s affiliates or subsidiaries. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

Other posts by YC Wee

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From looking at birds to studying birds: The story of the Bird Ecology Study Group:Part 6. Bird Group played the religion card.

2nd March 2025

From looking at birds to studying birds: The story of the Bird Ecology Study Group.  Part 5. Looking and Studying Birds 

24th February 2025

From looking at birds to studying birds: The story of the Bird Ecology Study Group or BESG Part 4: Formation of BESG

14th February 2025

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