Treeshrews: Living In Fragments

(From America's Zoo)

TREE SHREW FAMILY (SCANDENTIA): Living a Fragmented Life

With their long, bushy tails and black button noses, Tree Shrews resemble Squirrels. However, They are neither Squirrels nor Shrews. As the subject of intense scientific controversy, Tree Shrews were thought first to be Insectivores, and then early Primates. Finally zoologists placed them in their own order: Scandentia.

Extremely active, Tree Shrews forage all day, resting every hour for a few minutes. In their forests in Southeast Asia, these nervous and inquisitive Animals bounce around like pinballs from branch to branch. Tree Shrews live hard and fast lives. As Louise Simmons who studies them says, “They work 12 hours a day, 365 days a year. They live on the edge.”

Not much is known about these fast-moving, elusive Animals. However, scientists have discovered that Tree Shrews care for their Babies in an odd way. Every two days, Mother Tree Shrew returns to her nest to feed her Babies for about two minutes. Then She leaves only to return in another two days. While alone in the nest, her Babies nuzzle next to Each Other to keep warm.

Scientists recently discovered that Pen-tailed Tree Shrews drink the equivalent of ten glasses of wine a night. Living in the rain forests of Malaysia, these Animals suck on the fermented nectar of the Bertram palm nightly. But, They get never drunk or become inebriated.

For people who live a ‘pinball’ life, let Tree Shrews be your guide. They parent their Babies and defend their territories, all at the same time. Plus, They never get drunk, while doing it. Let Tree Shrews show you how to live your fragmented life effectively.

Wisdom From Tree Shrews Include:
Living Hard and Fast
Becoming Self-reliant
Keeping Your Head and Not Panicking

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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2008

From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

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