Difference between revisions of "Colugo" - New World Encyclopedia

From New World Encyclopedia
Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{Taxobox
 
{{Taxobox
−
| name = Colugos<ref name=msw3>{{MSW3 Stafford|pages=110|id=12000002}}</ref>
+
| name = Colugos</ref>
 
| fossil_range = {{Fossil range|Late Paleocene|Recent}}
 
| fossil_range = {{Fossil range|Late Paleocene|Recent}}
 
| image = Kaguang-drawing.jpg
 
| image = Kaguang-drawing.jpg
Line 19: Line 19:
 
*†''[[Dermotherium]]''
 
*†''[[Dermotherium]]''
 
}}
 
}}
−
'''Colugo''' is the common name for any of the [[arboreal]] gliding [[mammal]]s comprising the family '''Cynocephalidae''' and the [[order (biology)|order]] '''Dermoptera''', characterized by a wide, fur-covered membrane that extends around their body, allowing them to glide. There are only two extant species known, '''''Cynocephalus volans''''' (Philippine flying lemur) of the [[Philippines]] and '''''Galeopterus variegates''''' (Sunda flying lemur) of southeast Asia (with a number of synonyms for the species names). These two species, along with two extinct species (genus ''Dermotherium''), make up the entire family and order. Colegos also are known as '''cobegos''' or '''flying lemurs''', though they are not true [[lemur]]s.
+
'''Colugo''' is the common name for any of the [[arboreal]] gliding [[mammal]]s comprising the family '''Cynocephalidae''' and the [[order (biology)|order]] '''Dermoptera''', characterized by a wide, fur-covered membrane that extends around their body, allowing them to glide. There are only two extant species known, ''Cynocephalus volans'' (Philippine flying lemur) of the [[Philippines]] and ''Galeopterus variegates'' (Sunda flying lemur) of southeast Asia (with a number of synonyms for the species names). These two species, along with two [[extinction|extinct]] species (genus ''Dermotherium''), make up the entire family and order. Colegos also are known as '''cobegos''' or '''flying lemurs''', though they are not true [[lemur]]s.
 +
 
 +
They are the most capable of all gliding mammals, using the flaps of extra skin to glide from higher to lower locations.
  
  
−
==Overview and characteristics==
 
  
−
are [[arboreal]] gliding [[mammal]]s found in [[South-east Asia]]. There are just four [[extant taxon|extant]] [[species]], <ref name=msw3/> which make up the entire [[family (biology)|family]]  They are the most capable of all gliding mammals, using flaps of extra skin between their legs to glide from higher to lower locations. They are also known as
 
  
 
==Characteristics==
 
==Characteristics==
  
−
Colugos are fairly large for a tree-dwelling mammal: at about 35 to 40 cm (14 to 16 in) in length and 1 or 2 [[kilogram]]s (2 or 4 [[Pound (mass)|pounds]]) in weight, they are comparable to a medium-sized [[possum]] or a very large [[squirrel]]. They have moderately long, slender limbs of equal length front and rear, a medium-length tail, and a relatively light build. The head is small, with large, front-focused eyes for excellent binocular vision, and small, rounded ears. When born, the Colugo weighs only about 35g (1.2oz) and do not reach adult size for 2–3 years.<ref>{{cite book | last = Macdonald (Ed) | first = Professor David W. | title = The Encyclopedia of Mammals | publisher = Oxford University Press | date = 2006 | isbn = 0-19-920608-2}}</ref>
+
Extant colugos are fairly large for a tree-dwelling mammal. At about 35 to 40 centimeters (14 to 16 inches) in length and 1 or 2 [[kilogram]]s (2 or 4 [[Pound (mass)|pounds]]) in weight, they are comparable to a medium-sized [[oppossum]] or a very large [[squirrel]]. They have moderately long, slender limbs of equal length front and rear, a medium-length tail, and a relatively light build. The head is small, with large, front-focused eyes for excellent binocular vision, and small, rounded ears. When born, the colugo weighs only about 35 grams (1.2 ounces) and do not reach adult size for 2 to 3 years (Macdonald 2006).
−
 
 
−
Their most distinctive feature, however, is the membrane of skin that extends between their limbs and gives them the ability to glide long distances between trees. Of all the [[gliding mammal]]s, the colugos have the most extensive adaptation to flight. Their gliding membrane, or [[patagium]], is as large as is geometrically possible: it runs from the shoulder blades to the fore-paw, from the tip of the rear-most finger to the tip of the toes, and from the hind legs to the tip of the tail;<ref name=EoM>{{cite book |editor=Macdonald, D.|author= MacKinnon, Kathy|year=1984 |title= The Encyclopedia of Mammals|publisher= Facts on File|location=New York|pages= 446–447|isbn= 0-87196-871-1}}</ref> unlike in other known gliding mammals even the spaces between the fingers and toes are webbed to increase the total surface area, as in the wings of [[bat]]s. As a result, colugos were traditionally considered being close to the ancestors of bats, but are now usually seen as the closest living relatives to [[primate]]s.
 
  
−
They are surprisingly clumsy climbers. Lacking opposable thumbs and not being especially strong, they proceed upwards in a series of slow hops, gripping onto the bark of trees with their small, sharp claws. They are as comfortable hanging underneath a branch as sitting on top of it. In the air, however, they are very capable, and can glide as far as 70 metres (230 feet) from one tree to another with minimal loss of height.
+
The most distinctive feature of colugos, or flying lemurs, is the membrane of skin that extends between their limbs and gives them the ability to glide long distances between trees. Of all the [[gliding mammal]]s, the colugos have the most extensive adaptation to flight. Their gliding membrane, or [[patagium]], is as large as is geometrically possible: it runs from the shoulder blades to the fore-paw, from the tip of the rear-most finger to the tip of the toes, and from the hind legs to the tip of the tail (MacKinnon 1984). Unlike in other known gliding mammals, even the spaces between the fingers and toes are webbed to increase the total surface area, as in the wings of [[bat]]s. As a result, colugos were traditionally considered being close to the ancestors of bats, but are now usually seen as the closest living relatives to [[primate]]s.
  
−
Colugos are shy, [[nocturnal]], and restricted to the tropical [[rainforest]]s of Southeast Asia. In consequence, remarkably little is known about their habits, although they are believed to be generally solitary, except for mothers nursing young. They are certainly [[herbivore]]s, and are thought to eat mostly leaves, shoots, flowers and sap, and probably fruit as well. They have well-developed stomachs and long [[intestine]]s, capable of extracting nutriment from leaves.
+
Colugos are surprisingly clumsy climbers. Lacking opposable thumbs and not being especially strong, they proceed upwards in a series of slow hops, gripping onto the bark of trees with their small, sharp claws. They are as comfortable hanging underneath a branch as sitting on top of it. In the air, however, they are very capable, and can glide as far as 70 meters (230 feet) from one tree to another with minimal loss of height.
  
−
The [[incisor]] teeth of colugos are highly distinctive; they are comb-like in shape, with up to twenty tines on each tooth. The second upper incisors have two roots, another unique feature among mammals<ref name=EoM/>. The function of these adaptations is not currently known. The [[dentition|dental formula]] of colugos is:{{dentition2|2.1.2.3|3.1.2.3}}
+
The extant colugos are shy, [[nocturnal]], and restricted to the tropical [[rainforest]]s of Southeast Asia. In consequence, remarkably little is known about their habits, although they are believed to be generally solitary, except for mothers nursing young. They are certainly [[herbivore]]s, and are thought to eat mostly leaves, shoots, flowers, and sap, and probably fruit as well. They have well-developed stomachs and long [[intestine]]s, capable of extracting nutriment from leaves.
  
−
Although they are [[placental]] mammals, colugos are [[marsupial]]-like in their breeding habits. The young are born after just 60 days of gestation in a tiny and undeveloped form, and spend their first six months or so of life clinging to the mother's belly. To protect them and transport them she curls her tail up to fold the gliding membrane into a warm, secure quasi-pouch. Breeding is fairly slow as the young do not reach full size until they are two or three years old<ref name=EoM/>.
+
The [[incisor]] teeth of colugos are highly distinctive; they are comb-like in shape, with up to twenty tines on each tooth. The second upper incisors have two roots, another unique feature among mammals (MacKinnon 1984). The function of these adaptations is not currently known. The [[dentition|dental formula]] of colugos is:{{dentition2|2.1.2.3|3.1.2.3}}
  
−
==Status==
+
Although they are [[placental]] mammals, colugos are [[marsupial]]-like in their breeding habits. The young are born after just 60 days of gestation in a tiny and undeveloped form, and spend their first six months or so of life clinging to the mother's belly. To protect them and transport them she curls her tail up to fold the gliding membrane into a warm, secure quasi-pouch. Breeding is fairly slow as the young do not reach full size until they are two or three years old (MacKinnon 1984).
  
−
All four species are threatened by [[habitat destruction]], and the [[Philippine Flying Lemur]] is classified by the [[IUCN]] as vulnerable. In addition to the ongoing clearing of its rainforest habitat, it is hunted for its meat and fur. It is also hunted by the gravely endangered [[Philippine Eagle]]: some studies suggest that colugos account for 90% of the eagle's diet. It is not known how the diurnal eagles catch so many of the nocturnal colugos, which are thought to spend the greater part of the day curled up in tree hollows or hanging inconspicuously underneath a branch.
+
==Classification and species==
  
−
==Classification==
+
Two extant species are recognized, the Philippine flying lemur (''Cynocephalus volans'') and the Sunda flying lemur (''Galeopterus variegatus''). In addition, two extinct species are recognized, ''Dermotherium major'' and ''D. chimaera''.
  
 
* '''ORDER DERMOPTERA'''
 
* '''ORDER DERMOPTERA'''
 
** '''Family Cynocephalidae'''
 
** '''Family Cynocephalidae'''
 
*** ''[[Cynocephalus]]''
 
*** ''[[Cynocephalus]]''
−
**** [[Philippine Flying Lemur]], ''Cynocephalus volans''
+
**** [[Philippine flying lemur]], ''Cynocephalus volans''
 
*** ''[[Galeopterus]]''
 
*** ''[[Galeopterus]]''
−
**** [[Sunda Flying Lemur]], ''Galeopterus variegatus''
+
**** [[Sunda flying lemur]], ''Galeopterus variegatus''
 
*** †''[[Dermotherium]]''
 
*** †''[[Dermotherium]]''
 
**** †''[[Dermotherium major]]''
 
**** †''[[Dermotherium major]]''
 
**** †''[[Dermotherium chimaera]]''
 
**** †''[[Dermotherium chimaera]]''
  
−
The [[Mixodectidae]] appear to be fossil Dermoptera. However although other [[Paleogene]] mammals have been interpreted as related to Dermopterans, the evidence for this is uncertain and many of them are no longer interpreted as being gliding mammals.  At present, the fossil record of definitive dermopterans is limited to two species of the [[Eocene]] and [[Oligocene]] cynocephalid genus ''[[Dermotherium]]''.<ref name=Marivauxetal06>{{cite journal | author = Marivaux, L., L. Bocat, Y. Chaimanee, J.-J. Jaeger, B. Marandat, P. Srisuk, P. Tafforeau, C. Yamee, and J.-L. Welcomme | year = 2006 | title = Cynocephalid dermopterans from the Palaeogene of South Asia (Thailand, Myanmar and Pakistan): systematic, evolutionary and palaeobiogeographic implications | journal = Zoologica Scripta | volume = 35 | issue = 4 | pages = 395–420 | doi = 10.1111/j.1463-6409.2006.00235.x}}</ref>
+
However, there are a number of synonyms that appear in the literature at the family, generic, and species level, including some that place the two species in the same genus of ''Cynocephalus'' (Stafford 2005a, 2005b, 2005c).
  
−
Recent [[molecular phylogeny|molecular phylogenetic]] studies have demonstrated that colugos belong to the [[clade]] [[Euarchonta]] along with the [[treeshrew]]s (order [[Scandentia]]) and the [[primates]]. In this taxonomy, the [[Euarchonta]] are sister to the [[Glires]] ([[Lagomorpha|lagomorphs]] and [[rodent]]s), and the two groups are combined into the [[clade]] [[Euarchontoglires]].<ref name=Janeckaetal2007>{{cite journal | author = Jan E. Janecka, Webb Miller, Thomas H. Pringle, Frank Wiens, Annette Zitzmann, Kristofer M. Helgen, Mark S. Springer, William J. Murphy | year = 2007 | title = Molecular and Genomic Data Identify the Closest Living Relative of Primates | journal = Science | volume = 318 | issue = 5851 | pages = 792–794 | doi = 10.1126/science.1147555 | pmid = 17975064}}</ref>
+
* Family Cynocephalidae. Synonyms are Colugidae, Galeopithecidae, and Galeopteridae.
 +
* Genus ''Cynocephalus''. Synonyms are ''Colugo'', ''Dermopterus'', ''Galeolemur'', ''Galeopithecus'', ''Galeopus'', and '''Pleuropterus''.
 +
* Species ''Galeopterus variegates''. Synonyms are ''Cynocephalus variegatus'', ''Galeopterus temminckii'', ''Cynocephalus variegatus'', ''Galeopterus gracilis'', and many others.
 +
* Species ''Cynocephalus volans''. Synonyms are ''C. philippinensis'' and ''C. philippensis''.
 +
 
 +
===''Galeopterus variegatus''===
 +
The '''Sunda flying lemur''' (''Galeopterus variegatus''), also known as the '''Malayan flying lemur''', is found only in the [[Philippines]]. It is strictly [[arboreal]], is active at night, and feeds on soft plant parts such as young leaves, shoots, flowers, and fruits. After a 60-day gestation period, a single offspring is carried on the mother's abdomen held by a large skin membrane (Burnie and Wilson 2005).
 +
 
 +
===''Cynocephalus volans'''==
 +
The Sunda flying lemur is found throughout Southeast Asia in [[Indonesia]], [[Thailand]], [[Malaysia]], and [[Singapore]].<ref>[http://zipcodezoo.com/Animals/C/Cynocephalus_variegatus.asp Malayan Flying Lemur]</ref>
 +
 
 +
The Malayan Flying Lemur is not a [[lemur]] and does not fly. Instead, it glides as it leaps among trees.
 +
 
 +
==Evolutionary history and relationships==
 +
 
 +
The [[Mixodectidae]] appear to be fossil Dermoptera. However although other [[Paleogene]] mammals have been interpreted as related to Dermopterans, the evidence for this is uncertain and many of them are no longer interpreted as being gliding mammals.  At present, the fossil record of definitive dermopterans is limited to two species of the [[Eocene]] and [[Oligocene]] cynocephalid genus ''[[Dermotherium]]'' (Marivaux et al. 2006).
 +
 
 +
Recent [[molecular phylogeny|molecular phylogenetic]] studies have demonstrated that colugos belong to the [[clade]] [[Euarchonta]] along with the [[treeshrew]]s (order [[Scandentia]]) and the [[primates]]. In this taxonomy, the [[Euarchonta]] are sister to the [[Glires]] ([[Lagomorpha|lagomorphs]] and [[rodent]]s), and the two groups are combined into the [[clade]] [[Euarchontoglires]] (Janecka et al. 2007).
  
 
{{Clade  
 
{{Clade  
Line 77: Line 92:
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
===Synonyms===
 
−
The names '''Colugidae''', '''Galeopithecidae''' and '''Galeopteridae''' are synonyms for Cynocephalidae. '''''Colugo''''', '''''Dermopterus''''', '''''Galeolemur''''', '''''Galeopithecus''''', '''''Galeopus''''', and '''''Pleuropterus''''' are synonyms for ''Cynocephalus''.
 
  
−
==Galeopterus==
+
==Status==
  
 +
All four species are threatened by [[habitat destruction]], and the [[Philippine Flying Lemur]] is classified by the [[IUCN]] as vulnerable. In addition to the ongoing clearing of its rainforest habitat, it is hunted for its meat and fur. It is also hunted by the gravely endangered [[Philippine Eagle]]: some studies suggest that colugos account for 90% of the eagle's diet. It is not known how the diurnal eagles catch so many of the nocturnal colugos, which are thought to spend the greater part of the day curled up in tree hollows or hanging inconspicuously underneath a branch.
  
−
{{Taxobox
+
==References==
−
| name = Sunda Flying Lemur<ref name=msw3>{{MSW3 Stafford|pages=110}}</ref>
+
Boeadi & Steinmetz, R. (2008). Galeopterus variegatus. 2008 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2008. Retrieved on 30 December 2008.
−
| status = LC
+
http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/41502
−
| status_system = iucn3.1
 
−
| status_ref = <ref name=iucn>{{IUCN2008 | assessors = Boeadi & Steinmetz, R. | year = 2008 | id = 41502 | title = Galeopterus variegatus | downloaded = 30 December 2008}}</ref>
 
−
| image = Kaguaani 02.jpg
 
−
| image_caption = ''Galeopterus variegatus''
 
−
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
 
−
| phylum = [[Chordata]]
 
−
| classis = [[Mammal]]ia
 
−
| ordo = [[Dermoptera]]
 
−
| familia = [[Cynocephalidae]]
 
−
| genus = '''''Galeopterus'''''
 
−
| genus_authority = Thomas, 1908
 
−
| species = '''''G. variegatus'''''
 
−
| range_map=DistributionDermopteraCorrecting.png
 
−
| range_map_caption=Range map in red
 
−
| binomial = ''Galeopterus variegatus''
 
−
| binomial_authority = ([[Jean-Baptiste Audebert|Audebert]], 1799)
 
−
}}
 
  
−
The '''Sunda Flying Lemur''' (''Galeopterus variegatus''), also known as the '''Malayan Flying Lemur''', is a species of [[Colugo]]. It is one of only two species of flying lemur, the other being the [[Philippine Flying Lemur]] which is found only in the [[Philippines]]. The Sunda flying lemur is found throughout Southeast Asia in [[Indonesia]], [[Thailand]], [[Malaysia]], and [[Singapore]].<ref>[http://zipcodezoo.com/Animals/C/Cynocephalus_variegatus.asp Malayan Flying Lemur]</ref>
+
http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/6081
 +
Gonzalez, J.C., Custodio, C., Carino, P. & Pamaong-Jose, R. 2008. Cynocephalus volans. In: IUCN 2008. 2008 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 29 January 2009.
  
−
The Malayan Flying Lemur is not a [[lemur]] and does not fly. Instead, it glides as it leaps among trees. It is strictly [[arboreal]], is active at night, and feeds on soft plant parts such as young leaves, shoots, flowers, and fruits. After a 60-day gestation period, a single offspring is carried on the mother's abdomen held by a large skin membrane.<ref name="Burnie">{{Animal Burnie|pages=114}}</ref>
+
* David Burnie & Don E. Wilson (eds), ed (2005-09-19). Animal: The Definitive Visual Guide to the World's Wildlife (1st paperback edition ed.). Dorling Kindersley. pp. 114. ISBN 0-7566-1634-4.
  
−
==References==
+
<ref name=Janeckaetal2007>{{cite journal | author = Jan E. Janecka, Webb Miller, Thomas H. Pringle, Frank Wiens, Annette Zitzmann, Kristofer M. Helgen, Mark S. Springer, William J. Murphy | year = 2007 | title = Molecular and Genomic Data Identify the Closest Living Relative of Primates | journal = Science | volume = 318 | issue = 5851 | pages = 792–794 | doi = 10.1126/science.1147555 | pmid = 17975064}}</ref>
−
{{reflist}}
 
  
  
 +
<ref>{{cite book | last = Macdonald (Ed) | first = Professor David W. | title = The Encyclopedia of Mammals | publisher = Oxford University Press | date = 2006 | isbn = 0-19-920608-2}}</ref>
  
 +
;<ref name=EoM>{{cite book |editor=Macdonald, D.|author= MacKinnon, Kathy|year=1984 |title= The Encyclopedia of Mammals|publisher= Facts on File|location=New York|pages= 446–447|isbn= 0-87196-871-1}}</ref>
  
−
==References==
+
<ref name=Marivauxetal06>{{cite journal | author = Marivaux, L., L. Bocat, Y. Chaimanee, J.-J. Jaeger, B. Marandat, P. Srisuk, P. Tafforeau, C. Yamee, and J.-L. Welcomme | year = 2006 | title = Cynocephalid dermopterans from the Palaeogene of South Asia (Thailand, Myanmar and Pakistan): systematic, evolutionary and palaeobiogeographic implications | journal = Zoologica Scripta | volume = 35 | issue = 4 | pages = 395–420 | doi = 10.1111/j.1463-6409.2006.00235.x}}</ref>
−
{{reflist}}
 
  
 +
a
 
Stafford, Brian J. (2005-11-16). Wilson, D. E., and Reeder, D. M. (eds). ed.. Mammal Species of the World (3rd edition ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 110. ISBN 0-801-88221-4. http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3/browse.asp?id=12000002.
 
Stafford, Brian J. (2005-11-16). Wilson, D. E., and Reeder, D. M. (eds). ed.. Mammal Species of the World (3rd edition ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 110. ISBN 0-801-88221-4. http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3/browse.asp?id=12000002.
 
http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3/browse.asp?id=12000002
 
http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3/browse.asp?id=12000002
  
 +
b
 +
Stafford, Brian J. (2005-11-16). Wilson, D. E., and Reeder, D. M. (eds). ed.. Mammal Species of the World (3rd edition ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 110. ISBN 0-801-88221-4. http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3/browse.asp?id=12000002.
 +
http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3/browse.asp?id=12000004
 +
Cynocephalus volans
 +
 +
c
 
Stafford, Brian J. (2005-11-16). Wilson, D. E., and Reeder, D. M. (eds). ed.. Mammal Species of the World (3rd edition ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 110. ISBN 0-801-88221-4. http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3/browse.asp?id=12000002.
 
Stafford, Brian J. (2005-11-16). Wilson, D. E., and Reeder, D. M. (eds). ed.. Mammal Species of the World (3rd edition ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 110. ISBN 0-801-88221-4. http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3/browse.asp?id=12000002.
 
http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3/browse.asp?id=12000006
 
http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3/browse.asp?id=12000006
 
Galeopterus variegates
 
Galeopterus variegates
  
−
Stafford, Brian J. (2005-11-16). Wilson, D. E., and Reeder, D. M. (eds). ed.. Mammal Species of the World (3rd edition ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 110. ISBN 0-801-88221-4. http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3/browse.asp?id=12000002.
+
 
−
http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3/browse.asp?id=12000004
 
−
Cynocephalus volans
 
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==

Revision as of 00:41, 30 January 2009

Colugos</ref>
Fossil range: Late Paleocene–Recent
drawing of a colugo
drawing of a colugo
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Infraclass: Eutheria
Superorder: Euarchontoglires
Order: Dermoptera
Illiger, 1811
Family: Cynocephalidae
Simpson, 1945
Genera

Colugo is the common name for any of the arboreal gliding mammals comprising the family Cynocephalidae and the order Dermoptera, characterized by a wide, fur-covered membrane that extends around their body, allowing them to glide. There are only two extant species known, Cynocephalus volans (Philippine flying lemur) of the Philippines and Galeopterus variegates (Sunda flying lemur) of southeast Asia (with a number of synonyms for the species names). These two species, along with two extinct species (genus Dermotherium), make up the entire family and order. Colegos also are known as cobegos or flying lemurs, though they are not true lemurs.

They are the most capable of all gliding mammals, using the flaps of extra skin to glide from higher to lower locations.


Characteristics

Extant colugos are fairly large for a tree-dwelling mammal. At about 35 to 40 centimeters (14 to 16 inches) in length and 1 or 2 kilograms (2 or 4 pounds) in weight, they are comparable to a medium-sized oppossum or a very large squirrel. They have moderately long, slender limbs of equal length front and rear, a medium-length tail, and a relatively light build. The head is small, with large, front-focused eyes for excellent binocular vision, and small, rounded ears. When born, the colugo weighs only about 35 grams (1.2 ounces) and do not reach adult size for 2 to 3 years (Macdonald 2006).

The most distinctive feature of colugos, or flying lemurs, is the membrane of skin that extends between their limbs and gives them the ability to glide long distances between trees. Of all the gliding mammals, the colugos have the most extensive adaptation to flight. Their gliding membrane, or patagium, is as large as is geometrically possible: it runs from the shoulder blades to the fore-paw, from the tip of the rear-most finger to the tip of the toes, and from the hind legs to the tip of the tail (MacKinnon 1984). Unlike in other known gliding mammals, even the spaces between the fingers and toes are webbed to increase the total surface area, as in the wings of bats. As a result, colugos were traditionally considered being close to the ancestors of bats, but are now usually seen as the closest living relatives to primates.

Colugos are surprisingly clumsy climbers. Lacking opposable thumbs and not being especially strong, they proceed upwards in a series of slow hops, gripping onto the bark of trees with their small, sharp claws. They are as comfortable hanging underneath a branch as sitting on top of it. In the air, however, they are very capable, and can glide as far as 70 meters (230 feet) from one tree to another with minimal loss of height.

The extant colugos are shy, nocturnal, and restricted to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia. In consequence, remarkably little is known about their habits, although they are believed to be generally solitary, except for mothers nursing young. They are certainly herbivores, and are thought to eat mostly leaves, shoots, flowers, and sap, and probably fruit as well. They have well-developed stomachs and long intestines, capable of extracting nutriment from leaves.

The incisor teeth of colugos are highly distinctive; they are comb-like in shape, with up to twenty tines on each tooth. The second upper incisors have two roots, another unique feature among mammals (MacKinnon 1984). The function of these adaptations is not currently known. The dental formula of colugos is:

2.1.2.3
3.1.2.3

Although they are placental mammals, colugos are marsupial-like in their breeding habits. The young are born after just 60 days of gestation in a tiny and undeveloped form, and spend their first six months or so of life clinging to the mother's belly. To protect them and transport them she curls her tail up to fold the gliding membrane into a warm, secure quasi-pouch. Breeding is fairly slow as the young do not reach full size until they are two or three years old (MacKinnon 1984).

Classification and species

Two extant species are recognized, the Philippine flying lemur (Cynocephalus volans) and the Sunda flying lemur (Galeopterus variegatus). In addition, two extinct species are recognized, Dermotherium major and D. chimaera.

  • ORDER DERMOPTERA
    • Family Cynocephalidae
      • Cynocephalus
        • Philippine flying lemur, Cynocephalus volans
      • Galeopterus
        • Sunda flying lemur, Galeopterus variegatus
      • †Dermotherium
        • †Dermotherium major
        • †Dermotherium chimaera

However, there are a number of synonyms that appear in the literature at the family, generic, and species level, including some that place the two species in the same genus of Cynocephalus (Stafford 2005a, 2005b, 2005c).

  • Family Cynocephalidae. Synonyms are Colugidae, Galeopithecidae, and Galeopteridae.
  • Genus Cynocephalus. Synonyms are Colugo, Dermopterus, Galeolemur, Galeopithecus, Galeopus, and 'Pleuropterus.
  • Species Galeopterus variegates. Synonyms are Cynocephalus variegatus, Galeopterus temminckii, Cynocephalus variegatus, Galeopterus gracilis, and many others.
  • Species Cynocephalus volans. Synonyms are C. philippinensis and C. philippensis.

Galeopterus variegatus

The Sunda flying lemur (Galeopterus variegatus), also known as the Malayan flying lemur, is found only in the Philippines. It is strictly arboreal, is active at night, and feeds on soft plant parts such as young leaves, shoots, flowers, and fruits. After a 60-day gestation period, a single offspring is carried on the mother's abdomen held by a large skin membrane (Burnie and Wilson 2005).

=Cynocephalus volans'

The Sunda flying lemur is found throughout Southeast Asia in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.[1]

The Malayan Flying Lemur is not a lemur and does not fly. Instead, it glides as it leaps among trees.

Evolutionary history and relationships

The Mixodectidae appear to be fossil Dermoptera. However although other Paleogene mammals have been interpreted as related to Dermopterans, the evidence for this is uncertain and many of them are no longer interpreted as being gliding mammals. At present, the fossil record of definitive dermopterans is limited to two species of the Eocene and Oligocene cynocephalid genus Dermotherium (Marivaux et al. 2006).

Recent molecular phylogenetic studies have demonstrated that colugos belong to the clade Euarchonta along with the treeshrews (order Scandentia) and the primates. In this taxonomy, the Euarchonta are sister to the Glires (lagomorphs and rodents), and the two groups are combined into the clade Euarchontoglires (Janecka et al. 2007).

Euarchontoglires
Glires

Rodentia (rodents)



Lagomorpha (rabbits, hares, pikas)



Euarchonta

Scandentia (treeshrews)




Dermoptera (colugos)




†Plesiadapiformes



Primates







Status

All four species are threatened by habitat destruction, and the Philippine Flying Lemur is classified by the IUCN as vulnerable. In addition to the ongoing clearing of its rainforest habitat, it is hunted for its meat and fur. It is also hunted by the gravely endangered Philippine Eagle: some studies suggest that colugos account for 90% of the eagle's diet. It is not known how the diurnal eagles catch so many of the nocturnal colugos, which are thought to spend the greater part of the day curled up in tree hollows or hanging inconspicuously underneath a branch.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

Boeadi & Steinmetz, R. (2008). Galeopterus variegatus. 2008 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2008. Retrieved on 30 December 2008. http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/41502

http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/6081 Gonzalez, J.C., Custodio, C., Carino, P. & Pamaong-Jose, R. 2008. Cynocephalus volans. In: IUCN 2008. 2008 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 29 January 2009.

  • David Burnie & Don E. Wilson (eds), ed (2005-09-19). Animal: The Definitive Visual Guide to the World's Wildlife (1st paperback edition ed.). Dorling Kindersley. pp. 114. ISBN 0-7566-1634-4.

[2]


[3]

[4]

[5]

a Stafford, Brian J. (2005-11-16). Wilson, D. E., and Reeder, D. M. (eds). ed.. Mammal Species of the World (3rd edition ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 110. ISBN 0-801-88221-4. http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3/browse.asp?id=12000002. http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3/browse.asp?id=12000002

b Stafford, Brian J. (2005-11-16). Wilson, D. E., and Reeder, D. M. (eds). ed.. Mammal Species of the World (3rd edition ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 110. ISBN 0-801-88221-4. http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3/browse.asp?id=12000002. http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3/browse.asp?id=12000004 Cynocephalus volans

c Stafford, Brian J. (2005-11-16). Wilson, D. E., and Reeder, D. M. (eds). ed.. Mammal Species of the World (3rd edition ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 110. ISBN 0-801-88221-4. http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3/browse.asp?id=12000002. http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3/browse.asp?id=12000006 Galeopterus variegates


External links

Mammals
Monotremata (platypus, echidnas)

Marsupialia: | Paucituberculata (shrew opossums) | Didelphimorphia (opossums) | Microbiotheria | Notoryctemorphia (marsupial moles) | Dasyuromorphia (quolls and dunnarts) | Peramelemorphia (bilbies, bandicoots) | Diprotodontia (kangaroos and relatives)

Placentalia: Cingulata (armadillos) | Pilosa (anteaters, sloths) | Afrosoricida (tenrecs, golden moles) | Macroscelidea (elephant shrews) | Tubulidentata (aardvark) | Hyracoidea (hyraxes) | Proboscidea (elephants) | Sirenia (dugongs, manatees) | Soricomorpha (shrews, moles) | Erinaceomorpha (hedgehogs and relatives) Chiroptera (bats) | Pholidota (pangolins)| Carnivora | Perissodactyla (odd-toed ungulates) | Artiodactyla (even-toed ungulates) | Cetacea (whales, dolphins) | Rodentia (rodents) | Lagomorpha (rabbits and relatives) | Scandentia (treeshrews) | Dermoptera (colugos) | Primates |

Credits

New World Encyclopedia writers and editors rewrote and completed the Wikipedia article in accordance with New World Encyclopedia standards. This article abides by terms of the Creative Commons CC-by-sa 3.0 License (CC-by-sa), which may be used and disseminated with proper attribution. Credit is due under the terms of this license that can reference both the New World Encyclopedia contributors and the selfless volunteer contributors of the Wikimedia Foundation. To cite this article click here for a list of acceptable citing formats.The history of earlier contributions by wikipedians is accessible to researchers here:

The history of this article since it was imported to New World Encyclopedia:

Note: Some restrictions may apply to use of individual images which are separately licensed.

  1. ↑ Malayan Flying Lemur
  2. ↑ Jan E. Janecka, Webb Miller, Thomas H. Pringle, Frank Wiens, Annette Zitzmann, Kristofer M. Helgen, Mark S. Springer, William J. Murphy (2007). Molecular and Genomic Data Identify the Closest Living Relative of Primates. Science 318 (5851): 792–794.
  3. ↑ Macdonald (Ed), Professor David W. (2006). The Encyclopedia of Mammals. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-920608-2. 
  4. ↑ MacKinnon, Kathy (1984). in Macdonald, D.: The Encyclopedia of Mammals. New York: Facts on File, 446–447. ISBN 0-87196-871-1. 
  5. ↑ Marivaux, L., L. Bocat, Y. Chaimanee, J.-J. Jaeger, B. Marandat, P. Srisuk, P. Tafforeau, C. Yamee, and J.-L. Welcomme (2006). Cynocephalid dermopterans from the Palaeogene of South Asia (Thailand, Myanmar and Pakistan): systematic, evolutionary and palaeobiogeographic implications. Zoologica Scripta 35 (4): 395–420.
Retrieved from https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/p/index.php?title=Colugo&oldid=916005

Content is available under Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License; additional terms may apply. See Terms of Use for details.
Copyright Logo
Powered by MediaWiki