Predators of sciurids

Lim, Boo Liat (1992) Predators of sciurids. [Journal / Magazine]

PDF Jil121992_1993.pdf Restricted to Repository staff only Download (4MB)

Abstract

The study of predators on sciurids were based on stomach contents examined from 13 species of snakes, 7 species of small carnivores and 5 species of birds of preys. Fur snakes. 26 out of 81 stomachs examined were positive with animal remains; that of small carnivores and birds of preys, 12 out of 31 and 8 out of 24 stomach examined were positive respectively. Predation on sciurids by snakes is shown to be associated with the different types of predator-prey species living at different levels of the forest. Arboreal snakes tend to feed on sciurids which are mostly arboreal in habit and ground dwelling snakes prey on sciurids which are more terrestrial in their habits. Small carnivore predators of sciurids exhibited similar patterns of predation like the snake predators. Predation by bird of preys is associated with the behaviour pattern of predator-prey activities, nocturnal against nocturnal and diurnal against diurnal. Owls were found to be the main predators of small and medium-sized flying squirrels. the latter appeared to be the first case reported in Peninsular Malaysia.

Actions (login required)

View Item