Flying mouse

Zenker's Gleitbilch

The Gleitbilche ( Idiurus ) are a genus of very small thorn tail squirrels that live in the tropical rain forests of Africa. Despite its name, there is no relationship with the Bilchen.

Like their larger cousins ​​, the Real thorn tail squirrel ( Anomalurus ) Gleitbilche have a flight skin that extends from the elbow to the ankle and sliding on the type of ( unrelated ) allows flying squirrel. Likewise Gleitbilche have the thorny scales on the tail base, which has given the name of the family. Its special feature is the small size: With a body length 7-9 cm and 8-13 cm long tail they reach only one-fifth to one-third the size of their relatives of the genus Anomalurus.

Gleitbilche are nocturnal and spend the day in tree hollows. Only little is known about their way of life. They seem to mainly feed on fruits and live in colonies from 12 to 100 animals. Although Gleitbilche are rarely seen, but this depends comfortable with their hidden life together in the treetops. It is not believed that they are rare or threatened.

Two types are distinguished:

• Zenker's Gleitbilch, Idiurus zenkeri, Central Africa
• Large ear - Gleitbilch, Idiurus macrotis, West and Central Africa

Two other species that were formerly sometimes placed as Idiurus langi and Idiurus panga, are now regarded as identical with the large ear - Gleitbilch.