The Con Dao Black Giant Squirrel is one of Vietnam’s rarest endemic mammals, found exclusively in Con Dao National Park (Ho Chi Minh City). Living high in the canopy of old-growth forests, rocky mountain woodlands and riverside habitats, this species represents one of the most distinctive wildlife treasures of the archipelago.
Distinctive Characteristics
The Con Dao Black Giant Squirrel is striking and easy to identify:
- Head, neck, back and tail base are deep black or black-gray.
- Belly and lower body are pale yellow to ochre, extending unusually far up the arms — a trait found only in the Con Dao subspecies.
- Ears have small black tufts; eyes are ringed in bright yellow; nose and lips are light cream.
- Tail is extremely long, bushy, and ends with a stiff black tuft.
Among all black giant squirrel subspecies in Vietnam, Ratufa bicolor condorensis is the only one with yellow coloration reaching the forearms and a faint reddish patch behind the nape — features not found in any other population.
Behavior & Ecology
Lives solitarily, forming pairs only during breeding season.
Strictly diurnal and arboreal, spending nearly its entire life in the treetops.
Produces distinctive “túc… túc…” calls while foraging, which unfortunately make it easier for hunters to detect.
Builds large leaf-lined nests high in tall trees.
Diet includes forest fruits, young shoots, nuts (such as chestnut, sour milkfruit, canarium, fig, banyan), plus occasional insects and bird eggs.
Breeds twice per year (March–April and October–November), producing 2–3 young per litter.
Distribution
In Vietnam
- Dark Black Squirrel: Northern Vietnam
- Brown Black Squirrel: Lang Biang, Di Linh, Tay Ninh
- Con Dao Black Giant Squirrel: Exclusively in Con Dao — a true endemic species
Globally
- Large squirrel species of the genus Ratufa are found in Nepal, India, Myanmar, Hainan (China), Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.
However, the Con Dao subspecies occurs nowhere else on Earth.
Status & Threats
Shrinking old-growth forests and prolonged hunting pressure have caused its population to decline by an estimated 50% in just a decade. The species is currently listed as Vulnerable (VU) in the Vietnam Red Data Book.
Recognized protections:
- Listed in the Vietnam Red Data Book
- Group II under Decree 32/2006/NĐ-CP
- Appendix II of CITES
Recommended conservation measures:
- Total ban on hunting
- Increased forest patrols
- Protection and restoration of core habitats in Con Dao National Park
- Public education to raise awareness among residents and visitors
A Symbol of Con Dao’s Unique Ecosystem
As Con Dao grows into one of Vietnam’s 21 national tourist destinations, its native wildlife receives greater attention than ever. The Con Dao Black Giant Squirrel — with its striking colors, arboreal grace and limited range — is viewed as a true “ecological ambassador” of the island, embodying the richness of its ancient forests.
Protecting this squirrel means preserving the natural heritage of Con Dao and safeguarding the pristine beauty that makes this island one of Vietnam’s most captivating marine–forest ecosystems.
