Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Scandentia
- Family
- Tupaiidae
- Genus
- Dendrogale
Habitat
This species primarily inhabits montane forests and hilly areas in Borneo, preferring elevations between 900 and 2,700 meters where dense vegetation provides cover. It is adapted to cool, moist environments with plenty of trees for climbing, and is rarely found in lowland or disturbed habitats.
Diet
The Bornean smooth-tailed treeshrew feeds mainly on insects such as beetles, ants, and termites, which it forages from tree bark and leaf litter. It may also consume spiders and occasionally fruits or nectar, typically foraging during the day in a solitary manner.
Behavior
This treeshrew is diurnal and primarily arboreal, spending most of its time climbing trees and leaping between branches in search of food. It is solitary and territorial, marking its range with scent and avoiding direct interactions with others except during mating. Notable behaviors include rapid movements and a high metabolic rate, requiring frequent feeding.
Conservation Status
The IUCN lists the Bornean smooth-tailed treeshrew as Vulnerable due to habitat loss from deforestation and agriculture. Population trends are decreasing, with major threats including logging and fragmentation of montane forests.