Exilisciurus concinnus (Thomas, 1888)
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publication ID |
https://doi.org/ 10.5281/zenodo.6840226 |
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DOI |
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6818636 |
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persistent identifier |
https://treatment.plazi.org/id/064D0660-FFC5-ED38-FA10-FC20F7BCFE79 |
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treatment provided by |
Diego |
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scientific name |
Exilisciurus concinnus |
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Philippine Pygmy Squirrel
Exilisciurus concinnus View in CoL
French: Ecureuil élégant / German: Philippinen-Zwerghérnchen / Spanish: Ardilla pigmea de Filipinas
Taxonomy. Sciurus concinnus Thomas, 1888 ,
Isabela, Basilan Island, Zamboanga Province, Philippines.
This species is monotypic.
Distribution. SE Philippines, in Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Bohol, Homonhon, Dinagat, Siargao, Bucas Grande, Siquijor, Camiguin, Mindanao, and Basilan Is.
Descriptive notes. Head-body mean 87 mm, tail mean 62 mm (males) and 68 mm (females); weight mean c.28:1 g.
The Philippine Pygmy Squirrel is the largest species of pygmy squirrels and has a dark brown dorsum with a slight reddish tint. Venter is paler brown.
Habitat. Dense lowland and primary and secondary montane forests from sea level to elevations of ¢.2000 m. The Philippine Pygmy Squirrel reaches higher densities in small forest clearings, where trees have been felled.
Food and Feeding. Vegetable material and invertebrate larvae.
Breeding. A pregnant female Philippine Pygmy Squirrel with one embryo, was captured in May at Mount Imbayao. A second female captured in April at Mount Kitanglad had a swollen uterus.
Activity patterns. The Philippine Pygmy Squirrel is diurnal and becomes active in early morning, using mainly the low and middle levels of forest. They are usually seen on trunks of large forest trees, undersides of tree branches, tree holes, and around stumps in forests with human logging. They frequently vocalize by emitting brief high-pitched chirps, and when startled, often run headfirst down tree trunks to hide among root buttresses.
Movements, Home range and Social organization. There is no information available for this species.
Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. The Philippine Pygmy Squirrel is widespread and abundant. Moreover,it does well in secondary habitats and has no major threats, although deforestation may affect it to some extent.
Bibliography. Heaney (1985), Heaney et al. (2006), Ong, Tabaranza, Rosell-Ambal, Balete & Heaney (2008a), Rabor (1986), Rickart et al. (1993), Thorington et al. (2012).
No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.
