 |
Order : RODENTIA
Family : Sciuridae
Species : Sundasciurus hippurus
Head-Body Length :
up to 29 cm
Tail Length : up to 29 cm
Weight : Up to 365 grams
Sundasciurus hippurus
(Horse-tailed Squirrel) inhabits primary rainforest and mature secondary forest
up to about 1500 metres elevation. It is mainly arboreal, but occasionally
ventures to the lower parts of trees, or even to the ground to forage.
In the field it is identified by its thick, dark,
bushy tail which contrasts with the body fur (some specimens in Borneo may
have a reddish-brown tip to the tail). There are many subspecies, with
varying fur colour. The body fur can vary from grey to light brown on the
upperside, and from reddish brown to white on the underside. The head is
dark grey.
Its diet
comprises mainly forest fruits and seeds, though small insects may also be
eaten.
Sundasciurus hippurus ranges from southern Thailand through Peninsular
Malaysia to Borneo and Sumatra. It is not recorded from Singapore.
Fig 1 : Example from lowland forest in Peninsular Malaysia. Photo thanks to Con Foley.
Fig 2 : Example from hill forest at Bukit Tinggi, Pahang, Peninsular
Malaysia.
References :
Francis, C.M. 2019. A Field Guide to the Mammals of South-east Asia. Second
Edition. New Holland. 416 pp.
Lekagul, B., McNeely, J., 1977. Mammals of Thailand. Association for the
Conservation of Wildlife, Thailand. 758 pp.
Payne, J., Francis, C.M., 1998. A Field Guide to the Mammals of
Borneo. The Sabah Society.
|