Trogopterus xanthipes (Milne-Edwards, 1867)
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publication ID |
https://doi.org/ 10.5281/zenodo.6840226 |
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DOI |
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6818914 |
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persistent identifier |
https://treatment.plazi.org/id/064D0660-FF8A-ED77-FFDA-F8CEF58CF0C6 |
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treatment provided by |
Diego |
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scientific name |
Trogopterus xanthipes |
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Complex-toothed Flying Squirrel
Trogopterus xanthipes View in CoL
French: Polatouche & pattes jaunes / German: Komplexzahn-Gleithornchen / Spanish: Ardilla voladora de dientes con crestas
Taxonomy. Pteromys xanthipes Milne-Edwards, 1867 ,
“Hebei Province, China.”
This species is monotypic.
Distribution. C China, from E Qinghai to Hebei, S to N Yunnan and Guizhou, also isolated small populations in S Liaoning, E Henan, S Qinghai, and S Tibet (= Xizang). View Figure
Descriptive notes. Head-body 200-330 mm, tail 260-300 mm. No specific data are available for body weight. The Complex-toothed Flying Squirrel is mediums-sized. Pelage hairs are gray at bases and brown to reddish at tips; overall, it appears uniform reddish brown on dorsum and similar,lighter, and browner on venter. Throat is white. Long black hairs occur at bases ofears and tip oftail. Tail is somewhat shorter and flattened than head-body length. Common name refers to the numerous ridges on crown of upper and lower cheekteeth. It is considered most closely related to the Hairy-footed Flying Squirrel (Belomys pearsonii).
Habitat. Montane temperate forests of oak (Quercus, Fagaceae) and pine (Pinus, Pinaceae) at elevations of 1360-2750 m. The Complex-toothed Flying Squirrel is often associated with rocky cliffs and caves where it may nest.
Food and Feeding. The Complex-toothed Flying Squirrel is thought to feed in the canopy on oak leaves.
Breeding. The Complex-toothed Flying Squirrels reaches sexual maturity at c.22 months ofage. Litters are 1-4 young; gestation reportedly lasts 78-89 days; and lactation is ¢.105 days.
Activity patterns. Complex-toothed Flying Squirrels are nocturnal and are thought to nest in caves that provide stable microclimates. They glide between clifffaces and nearby trees.
Movements, Home range and Social organization. Complex-toothedFlying Squirrels nest alone and are generally intolerant of conspecifics when brought together in captivity.
Status and Conservation. Classified as Near Threatened on The IUCN Red List. The Complex-toothed Flying Squirrel has been regionally listed as vulnerable on the Chinese Red List. It is declining due to habitat loss, logging, hunting, and capture for medicinal purposes. It is maintained in captivity because its dung is important in traditional Chinese medicine, the physiological basis of which has not been explored. It is suspected that the rate of decline may be close to 30% over ten years, likely close to qualifying as Vulnerable on The IUCN Red List. It is present in a number of protected areas. More surveys and basic research on its distribution, population status, and natural history are needed to better understand threats and useful conservation action.
Bibliography. Amori & Gippoliti (2003), Hayssen (2008a), Hayssen et al. (1993), Jackson (2012), Jackson &Thorington (2012), Jeong Sei-Joon et al. (2000), Kirk et al. (2008), Lee Peifen & Liao Chienyu (1998), Scheibe et al. (2007), Smith & Johnston (2008v), Smith & Yan Xie (2008), Thorington & Darrow (2000), Thorington & Santana (2007), Thorington, Koprowski et al. (2012), Thorington, Pitassy & Jansa (2002), Wang Fulin (1985), Xiang Zuofu et al. (2004).
No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.
