Common Tree Shrew

The common treeshrew is a small mammal belonging to the family Tupaiidae. Indigenous to Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, it is currently classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN, attributed to its remarkable ability to adapt to habitat changes.

Among its species, the common treeshrew is relatively large, measuring between 16 to 21 cm in body length and weighing about 190 grams. It sports a variety of colors and is easily identifiable by its long, bushy tail and bare paws equipped with sharp claws.

These treeshrews are found in southern Thailand, mainland Malaysia, and parts of Indonesia, where they primarily inhabit primary dipterocarp forests. While they prefer these forests, they can tolerate certain changes to their habitat. They are diurnal, foraging alone or in pairs, mainly on the ground. Their diet includes fruits, seeds, leaves, insects, and occasionally lizards.

Common treeshrews have a rapid reproductive rate, with both males and females reaching maturity at around three months old. Females give birth to litters of one to three offspring after a gestation period of 40 to 52 days. The young typically leave the nest when they are between 25 and 35 days old. The mating season usually spans from December to February.

Despite threats such as deforestation, agriculture, commercial logging, and hunting, the common treeshrew continues to demonstrate resilience. Interestingly, these animals are often used in scientific research due to their close relationship to primates and their well-developed senses. Researchers have studied treeshrews to understand diseases like hepatitis, and there have even been documented instances of breast cancer in these animals.