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Sleeping tree selection and camouflage potential in the nocturnal and gliding Sunda colugos (Galeopterus variegatus) from Langkawi Island, Malaysia

par Gilbert, Molly
Promoteur ROVERO, Francesco
Co-Promoteur Barelli, Claudia
Publication Non publié, 2021-08-31

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Résumé :

Selection of sleeping trees and camouflage are important adaptations for many animals, providing them with protection from predators. One common camouflage tactic is background matching, the degree to which an animal matches its background pattern and colour. Sunda colugos (Galeopterus variegatus) are nocturnal mammals, distributed throughout Southeast Asia, with little information being available on their biology, particularly on camouflage potential. This study was conducted from June to August 2020 on a wild population inhabiting Langkawi Island, Malaysia. The study aimed to first assess sleeping tree use by Sunda colugos, identifying sleeping tree parameters and comparing them to non-sleeping trees. Using photography, I quantified the degree of camouflage between the Sunda colugos and their chosen sleeping trees by analysing and comparing the colour and pattern of fur to that of the sleeping trees. The main findings revealed the majority of sleeping trees were used only once and by one individual only; however, re-use of sleeping trees and small groups on a single tree were also recorded. Among the described structural parameters of trees, Sunda colugos selected those with larger crown diameter compared to smaller ones. Lastly, in terms of pattern and colour, Sunda colugos’ fur matched the pattern of their sleeping trees, but not the colour. Although preliminary, this study emphasizes the importance of studying the cryptic colouration of Sunda colugos, as it provides important insights into their activity and anti-predation tactics, which furthers the understanding of these cryptic and poorly studied animals.