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Hylopetes spadiceus (Blyth, 1847)
| Family Name: | Sciuridae |
| Taxonomic Group: | Vertebrates (Mammal) |
| Common Name: | Red-cheeked Flying Squirrel |
Name
Description
| Size | 18.4 cm |
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| Description | Upperparts dark greyish-brown with rust-coloured markings. Underparts white with orange tinge. Gliding membrane has thin white margin at the sides. Base of tail orange, cheeks orange-brown on grey. Tail is distinctly flatten. |
Ecology, Habitat & Location
| Ecological Notes | This tiny, nocturnal squirrel lives in primary forest, and nests in small holes on the trunk of tall trees. |
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| Habitats | Forest, Terrestrial |
| Distribution | In Singapore, known only from the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve where it was first discovered in October 1996. This species occurs in Myanmar, Indochina, the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo. |
| Nature Reserves | Bukit Timah Nature Reserve |
Conservation
| Trends & Threats | Habitat loss. The apparent degradation of forest at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is a major cause for concern. |
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| Scientific Interest & Potential Value | So little is known of these secretive creatures that the scope of scientific study on them is very great. |
| Conservation Notes | Habitat protection. More studies should be done in our forests, especially at night, to determine the population of this and other related species. |
Status
| Species Status | Native |
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| Conservation Status | Rare |
| Singapore Red Data Book Status | Critically Endangered (CR) [2008] |
Photos
References
| References | Baker, N. & Lim, K. 2008. Wild animals of Singapore. Singapore: Draco Publishing and Distribution Pte Ltd. 180pp Davison, G.W.H., Ng, P.K.L. & Ho, H.C (Eds.). 2008. The Singapore Red Data Book (2nd Edition). Singapore: Nature Society (Singapore). 285pp |
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