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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
This medium-sized,
attractive 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.
The
Horse-tailed Squirrel ranges from southern Thailand through Peninsular
Malaysia to Borneo and Sumatra. It is absent in Singapore.
Fig 1 :
Typical specimen high in the forest canopy. Photo thanks to Con Foley.
References : M1, M2, M3 |