Definition & Meaning of "tree shrew"

What is a "tree shrew"?

The tree shrew is a small mammal that belongs to the family Tupaiidae and is native to Southeast Asia. It has a slender body with a length of around 15 to 20 centimeters, a long tail that is often bushy, and large, dark eyes. Tree shrews have a pointed snout, sharp teeth, and prominent ears. Their fur is usually dense and ranges in color from reddish-brown to gray, depending on the species. Tree shrews are known for their agile and arboreal lifestyle, spending much of their time in trees, where they feed on insects, fruits, and other plant materials. They are known to have a relatively high metabolic rate compared to other mammals of their size, and their diet consists of a wide variety of foods. Tree shrews are primarily found in tropical rainforests and other wooded areas in countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. They play an important role in the ecosystem as pollinators and seed dispersers for various plant species.