Scaly-tailed squirrels
Scaly-tailed squirrels are unique rodents found primarily in the tropical and subtropical forests of West and Central Africa. They belong to the family Anomaluridae and are characterized by their slender bodies and distinctive tails, which feature scales on the underside. There are six species across two genera, with sizes varying significantly; for example, the pygmy scaly-tailed squirrel measures about 2.5 to 3 inches in body length, while Lord Derby's scaly-tailed squirrel can reach up to 15 inches. These animals primarily feed on a diet of bark, fruits, leaves, and insects, with smaller species consuming more nutrient-rich insects.
Despite their fascinating adaptations, scaly-tailed squirrels face threats due to habitat destruction, particularly from deforestation. There is limited knowledge regarding their reproductive habits, with females suspected to have two litters annually, consisting of one to three young. The lifespan of scaly-tailed squirrels in the wild remains largely undocumented, although they typically do not live beyond 14 months in captivity. As their natural environment continues to decline, conservation efforts may be necessary to ensure the survival of these remarkable creatures.
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Scaly-tailed squirrels
Scaly-tailed squirrels live in African rainforests. They are in some danger because their habitat is being destroyed.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Anomaluridae
Genus: Various (see below)
Species: Various (see below)
There are six species of scaly-tailed squirrels in two genera They have thin squirrel-like bodies with thin, short-furred tails with scales on the underside. They also have whiskers that help them find their way around. Scaly-tailed squirrels range in size from the pygmy scaly-tailed squirrel with a head and body length of about 2 1/2 to 3 inches (65 to 75 millimeters), a tail length of about 3 1/3 to 4 inches (83 to 104 millimeters), and weighing up to 3/4 an ounce (17 grams), to the Lord Derby's scaly-tailed squirrel with a head and body length of about 10 1/2 to 15 inches (27 to 38 centimeters), a tail length of about 9 to 11 inches (22 to 28 centimeters) and weighing between 16 and 38 ounces (448 to 1064 grams).
Scaly-tailed squirrels live in tropical and subtropical forests of West and Central Africa. Their populations are threatened because of the reduction of the rainforests, their natural habitat.
Scaly-tailed squirrels eat bark, fruits, leaves, flowers, green nuts, and some insects. The smaller scaly-tailed squirrels eat more vitamin-rich insects.
There is little information on the breeding habits of the scaly-tailed squirrel. The gestation period (duration of pregnancy) is unknown. It is suspected that females generally have two litters a year of between one and three young. The babies are born large, with lots of fur, and with open eyes.
The life span of the scaly-tailed squirrels in the wild is unknown. They do not survive more than 14 months in captivity.
Species include:
Beecroft's Scaly-tailed Squirrel Anomalurus beecrofti
Dwarf Scaly-tailed Squirrel Anomalurus pusillus
Lord Derby's Scaly-tailed Squirrel Anomalurus derbianus
Long-eared Scaly-tailed Flying Squirrel Idiurus macrotis
Pel's Flying Squirrel Anomalurus pelii
Pygmy Scaly-tailed Flying Squirrel Idiurus zenkeri
Bibliography
"Anomaluridae" Animal Diversity Web, animaldiversity.org/accounts/Anomaluridae. Accessed 15 Apr. 2024.
"Anomaluridae - Scaly-tailed Squirrels." PBS, nhpbs.org/wild/anomaluridae.asp. Accessed 15 Apr. 2024.