Range:

India to southeast Asia

Habitat:

Tropical rain forests.

Characteristics:

The tree shrews are mouse-like in appearance, but have long, pointed snouts. They have tiny sharp claws on their hands and feet for grasping trees. Back and limbs golden brown in color and under-parts are a lighter cream to white.

 

Behavior:

These mostly arboreal (tree-dwelling) animals are unusual among small mammals because they are active by day (diurnal). Tree shrews are very nervous, inquisitive, and generally aggressive animals. Living in pairs, they will vigorously defend their territory against other shrews. They are extremely active and have alternating periods of foraging and resting every hour or so throughout the 24 hour day.

Reproduction:

Gestation for tree shrews lasts 40-50 days at which time the female gives birth to 2-3 young.