Exilisciurus

Tassel dwarf squirrel ( Exilisciurus whiteheadi )

The Asian dwarf squirrel ( Exilisciurus ) are a common species in Southeast Asia croissants. They were expected earlier to the genus Nannosciurus (see Brown Dwarf Squirrel ). Of these, however, they are separate: After molecular genetic studies Exilisciurus is the sister group of all other nice croissant.

Nevertheless, they resemble in external characteristics and lifestyle of the brown dwarf squirrel. Their body length is 7 to 10 cm, added 5-8 cm tail. Among the squirrel is only the African pygmy squirrel even smaller. The weight is between 15 and 35 g The coat color is reddish brown on the upper side, brown or gray. In hand, the animals are a little brighter. All species inhabit dense tropical rainforests.

Differences between the following three types:

  • Borneo micro Squirrel, Exilisciurus exilis (Müller 1838), Borneo
  • Tassel Dwarf Squirrel, Exilisciurus whiteheadi ( Thomas 1887), Borneo
  • Philippines Dwarf Squirrel, Exilisciurus concinnus ( Thomas 1888), Mindanao and adjacent islands
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