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Common tree shrew - TUPAIA GLIS
Possibly Endangered
Class: Animals with Milk Glands (Mammalia)
The Name "tree shrew": "Shrew" is a Middle English word for "villain," which has attached to these animals probably because of their pugnacious manner. They live in trees, and are therefore called Scandentia, "climbing" mammals.
Location: Southern China, India , and Southeast Asia.
Habitat: Terrestrial and arboreal. Mountainous forest and shrub areas.
Description: In both appearance and size these animals closely resemble squirrels. Their fur is soft and dense, with colors ranging from gray to green, and either whitish or dark chestnut-brown on the belly. The snout is pointed, the ears small and bare, and the toes are clawed. The big toe is not opposable. The tail is covered with long hairs. The tree shrew is about 5.5 to 6" long, and the tail is about the same. It weighs 3.5 to 7 oz.
Behavior: The common tree shrew's diet consists of insects, fruit, seeds, and leaves. Like the squirrel, it sits on its hind legs and holds its food with its front feet while eating. It is active during the day, and appears to be constantly on the move searching for food. It lives mainly on the ground, building its nest among tree roots or in fallen trunks. Tree shrews live in pairs, with the male marking his territory with a strong smelling substance secreted from glands situated in the throat.
Reproduction: Gestation requires 46 to 50 days, with the litter usually consisting of two young. Tree shrews become sexually mature at four months of age.
Go to the Scandentia Page to get a general discussion of this unique animal.
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