Colugo

Cynocephalus variegatus

Colugos are amazing gliding mammals that live in the forests of Southeast Asia. They have a special skin flap that helps them glide from tree to tree like superheroes!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Colugo has soft, dense fur mottled in shades of grey and brown, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark. Its large, forward-facing eyes are adapted for seeing in low light. A broad, fur-covered membrane, called a patagium, stretches from its neck to its fingertips, and down to its tail, giving it a unique square-like shape when spread.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderDermopteraFamilyCynocephalidaeGenusGaleopterus

Colugo

Interesting facts

A baby colugo clings to its mother's belly during glides, safe within her patagium!

Colugos are so good at gliding that their feet are poor for walking on the ground!

Colugos can glide over 100 meters, further than a football field, without losing much height!

Despite their nickname 'flying lemurs', colugos are not true lemurs and cannot actually fly!

Special abilities

Colugos can glide amazing distances using their vast skin membrane, helping them travel efficiently between trees.

Colugos have mottled fur that perfectly mimics tree bark and lichen, helping them hide from predators.

Colugos have very large eyes that gather maximum light, helping them navigate and forage in the dark forest.

Measurements & details

Length: 34-42 cm
Wingspan: 70-120 cm
Weight: 0.9-1.75 kg
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Top Speed: 20 km/h
Litter Size: 1
Gestation: 60-150 days

Diet & Feeding

Colugos are gentle plant-eaters, enjoying leaves, flowers, and fruits found in their forest home.

Primary Foods

Leaves
Flowers
Fruits
Tree sap

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Changeable Hawk-Eagle

Nisaetus cirrhatus

A common bird of prey

eaten by

Barred Eagle-Owl

Bubo sumatranus

Nocturnal hunter of mammals

eaten by

Reticulated Python

Malayopython reticulatus

Large arboreal snake

eats

Cluster Fig

Ficus racemosa

Eats leaves and fruits

Traits

Furry

Find adorable animals covered in a cozy coat of soft fur! Their fur helps them stay warm and protected in different environments.

Arboreal

Climb high with animals who love living in trees! These agile creatures find their food, shelter, and even raise their families among the branches.

Gliding

Watch as animals take a graceful leap and soar through the air without flapping their wings! They use special flaps of skin or body shapes to glide from one spot to another.

Herbivorous

Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!

Ancient Lineage

These fascinating organisms carry echoes of the deep past, with ancestors that have roamed the Earth for an incredible span of time. They are living links to ancient worlds!

Forest

These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.

Regenerative

Imagine if you could grow back a lost arm or tail! Some incredible creatures have the power to regrow body parts, making them truly amazing survivors in nature.