Anomalurus pusillus, Thomas, 1887

Don E. Wilson, Thomas E. Lacher, Jr & Russell A. Mittermeier, 2016, Anomaluridae, Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 6 Lagomorphs and Rodents I, Barcelona: Lynx Edicions, pp. 270-279 : 278

4.

Lesser Anomalure

Anomalurus pusillus

French: Anomalure pygmée / German: Zwerg-Dornschwanzhérnchen / Spanish: Anomaluro enano

Other common names: Dwarf Anomalure, Dwarf Scaly-tailed Flying Squirrel, Dwarf Scaly-tailed Squirrel, Little Flying Squirrel

Taxonomy. Anomalurus pusillus Thomas, 1887 ,

“Bellima and Tingasi, Monbuttu” (= Niangara, DR Congo).

This species is monotypic.

Distribution. Found in isolated populations in Liberia, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, NW Gabon, W Republic of the Congo, SW Central African Republic, and N DR Congo; may also occur in W Uganda.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 190-260 mm, tail 120-200 mm; weight 170-300 g. The Lesser Anomalure is the smallest species of Anomalurus , with dorsal color varying from near black, grizzled gray, to mottled tan or olive brown. Membrane adjoining tail is usually yellower, and lateral membranes are dark gray. Head of the Lesser Anomalure is gray without borders around ears. Undersideis pale yellowish white, without a tinge of rufus; bristles covering hind claws have a rufus tinge. Unlike other species of Anomalurus , the Lesser Anomalure is similar in appearance throughoutits distribution.

Habitat. Limited information available but only found in rainforest in Gabon and DR Congo. Most records of Lesser Anomalures have been at low elevations, but there is one record from montane forests at 2200 m.

Food and Feeding. Diet of the Lesser Anomalure appears to include bark and fruits. Drupes of parasol trees ( Musanga , Urticaceae ) are eaten.

Breeding. There is no information available for this species.

Activity patterns. There is no information available for this species.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. Lesser Anomalures appear to nest alone. Density is only ¢.5 ind/km?.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. Major threats to the Lesser Anomalure include loss of habitat as a result of conversion to agricultural and logging for timber. In some regions, they are hunted for bushmeat, but this is not thought to be a significant conservation threat.

Bibliography. Delany (1975), Dorst & Dandelot (1970), Grubb et al. (1998), Haltenorth & Diller (1977), Jackson (2012), Jackson & Thorington (2012), Julliot et al. (1998), Kingdon (1997 2013d), Rahm (1969), Rahm & Christiaensen (1963), Schunke (2005).

Figures

1. Beecroft’s Anomalure (Anomalurus beecrofty), 2. Lord Derby’s Anomalure (Anomalurus derbianus), 3. Pel’s Anomalure (Anomalurus pelii), 4. Lesser Anomalure (Anomalurus pusillus), 5. Long-eared Pygmy Anomalure (Idiurus macrotis), 6. Zenker’s Pygmy Anomalure (Idiurus zenker), 7. Cameroon Anomalure (Zenkerella insignis)

Distribution. Found in isolated populations in Liberia, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, NW Gabon, W Republic of the Congo, SW Central African Republic, and N DR Congo; may also occur in W Uganda.