Here are some of the mammals species we have documented and identified so far on the island, with some interesting information to wet your wildlife appetite. If you click on the picture you can learn more about them and why they are important to the islands ecosystem and us.


Family: Cercopithecidae

Long tailed  Macaque (Macaca fascicularis) IUCN REDLIST: Least Concern

long tailed macaques (1)

Long tailed macaques are part of the old world group of primates. They live in matrillineal groups where the females are dominant in the hierarchy and males leave to prevent incest. The are opportunistic omnivores feeding on almost every part of plants including seeds and fruits, insects and small vertebrates. These animals are generally not aggressive but will protect themselves if threatened or if your carrying food. They are commonly seen in historic rituals and stories and have become the subject of many medical experiments due to their genetic similarities to humans.


Family: Muridae

Asian House rat (Rattus tanezumi)  IUCN REDLIST: Least Concern

The Asian house rat a common pest on the island but still a natural part of the ecosystem. Their adaptability and scavenger behavior has boosted their populations and now their presence is associated with human environments. They are fast runner, great climbers and can jump as far as 50 cm away.

Family: Sciuridae

Variable squirrel (Callosciurus finlaysonii) IUCN REDLIST: Least Concern

13641155_10157270938815393_5508142164054472363_oThe Variable squirrel is a member of the scuridae family. Its colour hugely varies across its range and on Samloem is commonly seen in red (as seen in the picture) or in black but no distinct markings. This species is a canopy dweller and mainly feeds on fruits. Field evidence indicates that they have dichomatic vision (2 types of colour vision) that allows them to distinguish between ripe and unripe fruit.

Family: Soricidae

Asian house shrew (Suncus murinus) IUCN REDLIST: Least Concern

RIMG2233The Asian house shrew is part of the soricidae family. Native to India they were introduced to Asia and their adaptability has allowed them to inhabit all habitats which has impacted many island lizards species. They are nocturnal insectivores (but sometimes feed on small rodents too) with a huge appetite and a strong musk smell. This species is quite beneficial to humans as their diet consists of cockroaches and even house mice.

***Don’t worry this specimen was released after its accidental capture***
