High in the rainforest canopy, a Black Giant Squirrel begins its daily hunt for food.

A Black Giant Squirrel rests on a tree trunk. Photo courtesy of Discovering Mysteries Season 5 crew

The Black Giant Squirrel is a Class II protected species in China. With a combined head and body length of 36-43 centimeters and a tail length of 40-51 centimeters, these squirrels usually weigh 1.3-2.3 kilograms. Active canopy dwellers, their tufted ears are completely black, and their tails are longer than their bodies.

A Black Giant Squirrel looks out from a tree. Photo courtesy of Discovering Mysteries Season 5 crew

The weather in the tropical rainforest is unpredictable, and a sudden downpour interrupts the giant squirrel’s hunt for food. Rain soon envelops the entire rainforest, and lasts through nightfall.

A Black Giant Squirrel forages in a tree. Photo courtesy of Discovering Mysteries Season 5 crew

As day fades into night, nocturnal creatures begin to move about. An Asian Palm Civet Cat has better luck, finding a mature fruit tree. At the same time, a Hainan Giant Flying Squirrel, also nocturnal, finds food of its own. The rainforest night is filled with the sound of munching.

An Asian Palm Civet Cat. Photo courtesy of Discovering Mysteries Season 5 crew

At dawn, the hungry Black Giant Squirrel sets out to forage once again. On this new day, finding food is paramount, giving rise to a much more diligent search.

The giant squirrel’s hard work has paid off. A tree covered in ripe fruit appears. It approaches with caution, and after confirming it’s safe, immediately begins to chow down. The satisfaction of a full belly soon replaces yesterday’s anxiety.

A Black Giant Squirrel forages in a tree. Photo courtesy of Discovering Mysteries Season 5 crew

Giant Black Squirrels are found in China’s Hainan Province, southern Guangxi Province, and southern and western Yunnan Province, as well as in eastern Nepal, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, Malaysia, Java, and Bali.

A Hainan Giant Flying Squirrel. Photo courtesy of Discovering Mysteries Season 5 crew

Day and night come and go in the rainforest, and each inhabitant continues to live according to its own unique rhythm.