Common Sulawesi miniature squirrel
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Common Sulawesi miniature squirrel ( Prosciurillus murinus ) |
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| Prosciurillus murinus | ||||||||||||
| ( Müller & Schlegel , 1844) |
The common Sulawesi dwarf squirrel ( Prosciurillus murinus ) is a species of squirrel from the genus of the Sulawesi dwarf squirrel ( Prosciurillus ), which is endemic to the island of Sulawesi, which belongs to Indonesia .
features
The common Sulawesi dwarf squirrel reaches a head-torso length of about 10 to 15 centimeters. The tail is about 5.5 to 12 inches long, which is shorter than the rest of the body. It is the smallest species of squirrel that lives on Sulawesi. The back color of the animals and the tail are dark brown, whereby the tail can have a pattern of ocher, sand-colored and black spots. The ventral side is grayish. The species has no ear tufts, no neck patch and no back stripes. The eyes have a sand-colored eye ring. Compared to the very similar Mengkoka miniature squirrel ( Prosciurillus abstrusus ) it is slightly smaller and the ears are darker.
distribution
The common Sulawesi miniature squirrel is endemic to the island of Sulawesi , which belongs to Indonesia . It is distributed over the entire island, possibly with the exception of the central-eastern part, as well as individual neighboring islands such as Talise and Lembeh . It was probably introduced to the Sangihe Islands , where the species is regularly seen.
Way of life
The common Sulawesi dwarf squirrel occurs in the forest areas on Sulawesi from the coast to altitudes of about 2200 meters, with habitats ranging from tropical forests of the plains to mountain forests of the upper altitudes. In the mountainous areas in which Prosciurillus abstrusus lives, it is assumed that both species do not occur together and that Prosciurillus abstrusus mainly colonizes the highest regions.
The species is diurnal and largely tree-living, it mainly occurs in the lower foliage area and undergrowth and uses branches, tendrils and fallen tree trunks for locomotion. Foraging is likely to take place in the upper areas of the tree as well, and it has been observed on tree trunks where it gnaws at the bark. It feeds mainly on soft fruits, seeds and also insects. It is not gregarious, but can be seen looking for food with several conspecifics. The communication is varied and ranges from high-frequency calls to bird-like trills.
The females have three pairs of teats . No data are available on reproduction, individual females with one embryo each were caught.
Systematics
The common Sulawesi dwarf squirrel is classified as an independent species within the genus of the Sulawesi dwarf squirrel ( Prosciurillus ), which currently consists of seven species, while only five species were recognized until 2005. The first scientific description comes from Salomon Müller and Hermann Schlegel from 1844, who described the species using individuals from the northeast of Sulawesi.
Apart from the nominate form, no subspecies are differentiated within the species , although until 2005 Prosciurillus murinus murinus , Prosciurillus murinus griseus and Prosciurillus murinus necopinus were recognized.
Status, threat and protection
The common Sulawesi miniature squirrel is listed as "data deficient" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) due to a lack of data on population size and potential declines. Since it is a species that is dependent on forest stands and occurs in low density in the distribution area, a threat can be assumed. In the lowlands, a risk arises from the transformation of forest areas into agricultural areas and plantations, and in the middle altitudes from logging.
supporting documents
- ↑ a b c d e f g Richard W. Thorington Jr., John L. Koprowski, Michael A. Steele: Squirrels of the World. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD 2012; Pp. 177-178. ISBN 978-1-4214-0469-1
- ↑ a b c Prosciurillus murinus in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2014.3. Posted by: L. Ruedas, A. Suyanto, 2008. Retrieved March 26, 2015.
- ↑ a b c Prosciurillus rosenbergii In: Don E. Wilson , DeeAnn M. Reeder (Ed.): Mammal Species of the World. A taxonomic and geographic Reference. 2 volumes. 3. Edition. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD 2005, ISBN 0-8018-8221-4 .
literature
- Richard W. Thorington Jr., John L. Koprowski, Michael A. Steele: Squirrels of the World. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD 2012; Pp. 177-178. ISBN 978-1-4214-0469-1
Web links
- Prosciurillus murinus inthe IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2014.3. Posted by: L. Ruedas, A. Suyanto, 2008. Retrieved March 26, 2015.