They mostly live in hollow trees or construct nests of leaves and twigs in the branches of trees or large bushes. Like most squirrels, they are excellent at climbing and jumping. Their toes have sharp claws and are well adapted for clinging to tree trunks. They descend tree trunks head first. Their tails serve as a balance when the squirrel runs and climbs and as a rudder when it jumps.
Squirrels wrap their tail around themselves when they sleep.
When feeding, all squirrels squat on their haunches and hold the food between their front paws. In the wild, they eat fruits, nuts, seeds, buds, flowers, other vegetable matter, insects, and birds' eggs. Breeding can occur throughout the year but peaks in March-August. They may have up to three litters annually usually with one or two young. Although Prevost's squirrels are not currently endangered, some squirrels in this genus are considered vulnerable due to habitat destruction and over exploitation.