Identification:
Body length (head to body): 15.7 – 18.4 cm; tail length: 15.2 – 16.6 cm; hind foot length: 29 – 35 mm (11 specimens). Weight: 80 – 157 grams. Skull length: 31.4 – 36.4 mm; interorbital width: 7.8 – 8.7 mm; upper molar row length: 6.8 – 7.6 mm (5 specimens). Dorsal pelage is pale black or dark grayish-brown, with rusty flecks, particularly along the midline. Ventral pelage is white. The feet have gray fur with a slight orange hue. The patagium has a thin, white edge. The tail is dark, light orange-brown with a buff-colored underside. The fur on the feet is distinctly orange. The cheeks are orange-brown.
Biology, Ecology:
Nocturnal species, living in nests approximately 32 cm in width, recorded 0.3 – 3.3 m above ground level (in Peninsular Malaysia). Primarily inhabits and forages in mature and regenerating forests.
Distribution:
- Vietnam: Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Đắk Lắk, Lâm Đồng, Đồng Nai, Côn Đảo, Phú Quốc.
- Worldwide: Myanmar, Thailand, southern Indonesia, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Java, Borneo.
Value:
A rare and unique mammal of tropical forests, of global conservation concern. Has scientific and aesthetic value.
Conservation Measures:
This species should be promptly included in the Vietnam Red Book. Logging of large trees in habitats where this species resides should be strictly prohibited. Public awareness campaigns should be conducted among local communities within the species’ habitat to promote protection and prevent hunting.