It is found in forests in the Thai-Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo and nearby smaller islands, with an introduced population in northern Sulawesi.

Although the Prevost's squirrel is declining in some regions because of habitat loss and hunting, the species is not considered threatened since it generally remains common and widespread.

[2][4] The typical form, including the subspecies of the Thai-Malay Peninsula (C. p. prevostii and others), is among the most colourful mammals in the world with its black upperparts and tail, reddish-orange underparts, whitish thighs and flanks, and grey to grey-white cheeks.

Four subspecies are uniquely dark and bicoloured: C. p. caedis from Banggi and nearby islands, C. p. piceus from northern Sumatra, C. p. pluto from northeastern Borneo and C. p. rufonigra from Labuan are black above, including tail, thighs and cheeks, and rich rufous below (no whitish to thighs, flanks or cheeks).

[6] This squirrel eats fruits, nuts, seeds, buds, flowers, insects and bird eggs.