Mountain treeshrew facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mountain treeshrew |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Tupaia
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| Species: |
montana
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| Mountain treeshrew range | |
The mountain treeshrew (Tupaia montana) is a small, furry animal that looks a bit like a squirrel. But it's actually a type of treeshrew, which are related to primates! These special animals live only on the island of Borneo. You can find them in the cool, misty mountain forests of Sarawak and Sabah in Malaysia, and Kalimantan in Indonesia.
The first mountain treeshrew ever studied was described by a scientist named Oldfield Thomas. This animal was part of a collection sent to the British Museum of Natural History from northern Borneo.
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What They Look Like
Mountain treeshrews have fur that is a mix of dark reddish-brown and gray on their backs. They often have a faint black line running down their spine. Their tails are fairly short. The top of the tail is reddish-brown and gray, while the underside is more yellowish. The tip of the tail is black. The hairs on the sides of their tails have rings of different colors.
From head to body, these treeshrews measure about 15 to 33 cm (6 to 13 inches) long. Their tails add another 13 to 19 cm (5 to 7.5 inches) to their length.
Where They Live
The first mountain treeshrew ever found was collected by Charles Hose. He found it on Mount Dulit at an elevation of about 1,200 meters (4,000 feet).
Mountain treeshrews are usually found in mountain areas. They prefer places that are higher than 600 meters (2,000 feet) above sea level.
Daily Life and Habits
Mountain treeshrews are active during the day. They spend their time looking for food on the ground. They search among fallen logs and branches.
What They Eat
Their main diet consists of arthropods, which are creatures like insects and spiders. They also eat a lot of wild fruits and berries. They eat these fruits very quickly, taking short bursts of bites. Scientists believe they drink the sweet juices from the fruits. This helps them get extra sugar and other nutrients that might be missing from their insect diet.
Social Behavior
Scientists have studied groups of mountain treeshrews in captivity. They found that these treeshrews are more social than other types of treeshrews. In a group, usually two males tend to be in charge.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Female mountain treeshrews have a special cycle that lasts about 9 to 12 days. After mating, the babies grow inside the mother for about 49 to 51 days. They don't have a specific time of year when they reproduce. Usually, a mother will have one or two babies at a time.
Pitcher Plant Friends
Mountain treeshrews have a special partnership with several types of pitcher plants. These plants include Nepenthes lowii, Nepenthes macrophylla, and Nepenthes rajah. The treeshrews visit these plants to feed on sweet, fruity liquids found on the lids of the pitchers. In return, the treeshrews poop into the pitchers while they are visiting. This helps the pitcher plants get nutrients from the treeshrew's waste. It's a great example of a mutualistic relationship, where both the animal and the plant benefit!
