Madras Treeshrew

Anathana ellioti

Have you ever heard about the Treeshrews? These small mammals belong to the same Superorder (Euarchontoglires) as Primates, Rodents, and Lagomorphs, but are listed in a unique Order all their own. They also have the very cool distinction of having the highest brain to body mass ratios of any mammal type, including humans!

The Madras, or Indian Treeshrew is one of twenty different Treeshrew species, and is monotypic for its genus. They are considered to be locally common on the Indian subcontinent, where they live in hilly forests, stony slopes, and near pasture land.

Though they sometimes live near trees, and are called "Treeshrews", they are not an especially arboreal creature. The Madras Treeshrews are usually found on the ground, searching for insects, fruits, and seeds. They do most of their foraging during the morning and evening hours, and do so alone.

Madras Treeshrews are currently listed as being of Least Concern, but the population is the decline due to habitat loss.

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IUCN Status : Least Concern

Location : India
Size : Body length up to 7in (18cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Scandentia
Family : Tupaiidae -- Genus : Anathana-- Species : A. ellioti