Javan short-tailed gymnure facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Javan short-tailed gymnure |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Hylomys
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| Species: |
suillus
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| Short-tailed gymnure range, including H. suillus and all current species that were formerly a part of the species | |
The Javan short-tailed gymnure (Hylomys suillus) is a small mammal. It belongs to the Erinaceidae family, which also includes hedgehogs! This tiny creature was first officially described by a scientist named Salomon Müller in 1840.
For a long time, scientists thought this species included several others. But now, thanks to more research, those "subspecies" are known to be their own unique species. These include the Bornean short-tailed gymnure and the northern short-tailed gymnure. Because of these new discoveries, the Javan short-tailed gymnure is now only found on the island of Java.
What Does It Look Like?
This gymnure has fur that is reddish-brown to dark brown on its back. It might even have a bit of a grey look. Its belly is light grey, and the hairs there have white tips.
It looks a lot like a large shrew. It has a long nose, which is called a snout. Its tail is very short and doesn't have much hair. It also has round, leathery ears. From its head to its body, it measures about 12–14 cm (4.7–5.5 in). Its tiny tail is only about 2–3 cm (0.79–1.18 in) long.
Where Does It Live and What Does It Do?
The Javan short-tailed gymnure is busy both during the day and at night. It likes to live in forests found on hills and mountains. These forests can be as high as 3,000 m (9,800 ft) above sea level! Sometimes, it also lives in wet forests closer to the ground.
This little animal mostly eats insects that it finds on the forest floor. But it also enjoys eating fruit sometimes. Most Javan short-tailed gymnures do not live longer than two years.
Where Can You Find It?
This special gymnure lives only on the Indonesian island of Java.
