Complex tooth flying squirrel

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Complex tooth flying squirrel
Systematics
Subordination : Squirrel relatives (Sciuromorpha)
Family : Squirrel (Sciuridae)
Subfamily : Tree squirrel and flying squirrel (Sciurinae)
Tribe : Flying Squirrel (Pteromyini)
Genre : Trogopterus
Type : Complex tooth flying squirrel
Scientific name of the  genus
Trogopterus
Heude , 1898
Scientific name of the  species
Trogopterus xanthipes
( Milne Edwards , 1876)

The complex- toothed flying squirrel ( Trogopterus xanthipes ) is a common flying squirrel in China . It gets its peculiar name from the teeth, which differ from those of other flying squirrels. Outwardly, however, it is little different from the appearance of other flying squirrels; the most noticeable feature are the black tufts of hair at the base of the ear. The fur is gray-brown on top and white on the underside. The face and tail have a reddish tinge. The length of the head body is about 30 cm, with a tail that is almost as long.

Complex-tooth flying squirrels are at home in the Chinese provinces of Hubei , Hunan , Guizhou , Sichuan and Yunnan . Here they build their nests in cliffs and crevices that are on average 30 m above the ground. Their habitat is mountainous terrain at altitudes of 1300 to 1500 m, according to other sources up to 2750 m. During the day the squirrels sleep in their nests; at night they leave them and look for nuts, fruits and twigs.

The IUCN lists the complex tooth flying squirrel as a low endangered species ( near threatened ). In addition to the destruction of forests, hunting plays a role in the population decline of almost 30 percent per decade. In traditional Chinese medicine , the droppings of this croissant are considered beneficial against duodenal ulcers . Medical tests have indeed found a pain reliever and blood circulation enhancing effect, but the reasons for this are not yet understood. The flying squirrels are caught and caged to make it easier to get to their droppings.

A total of five species of the genus Trogopterus have been described, but according to current knowledge, all of them are the same species, the complex-toothed flying squirrel. The hairy-footed flying squirrel , which is sometimes also included in the genus Trogopterus , is very closely related .

literature

  • Ronald M. Nowak: Walker's Mammals of the World. 2 volumes. 6th edition. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD et al. 1999, ISBN 0-8018-5789-9 .

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