A study of the Lesser Tree-shrew (Tupaia minor) in Peninsular Malaysia with special reference to reproductive patterns

Lim, Boo Liat (1995) A study of the Lesser Tree-shrew (Tupaia minor) in Peninsular Malaysia with special reference to reproductive patterns. [Journal / Magazine]

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Abstract

The present report on the Lesser Tree-shrew (Tupaia minor) was based on data collected during the period 1973-1975 from three forest reserves in Selangor. Body weights were used as a basis for classification of the age structure for the groups. Among the 228 (T. minor) examined, 12.7% were estimated as young animals, 14% subadults and the remaining 73.3% were adults. There was a distinct difference in the body measurements within the three different age groups. The most significant characteristic was the tail which grew much faster relative to the head and body length in the young, and attained maximum length by subadulthood. Females were matured at an estimated age of 5-6 months after birth and they bred all year round, with peak breeding activities occurring during April to July. Two fetuses were the normal litter size of pregnant females. Mature males were associated with their body and testicular weights with a body weight between 50-75g and testicular weight from 1.4-2.2g constituting a stable and active population. Of the stomachs of 120 (T. minor) examined, 42.5% were found with food contents. lnsect fragments were found in 62.7% out of 51 positive stomachs representing 5 Orders of Arthropods with Coleoptera and Hymenoptera being the major insects taken. Ectoparasites were found in 10.9% of 120 animals and helminths in 19.5% of 87 animals examined. Both the ectoparasites and helminths parasitizing these animals have been found to be of good ecological labelling of the host species.

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