Nick Rasmussen
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, Oklahoma

Richard Thorington, Ph.D.
Supervising Scientist
Department of Zoology, Mammals

"The famous 19th Century biologist, Thomas Henry Huxley, once said, 'Try to learn something about everything and everything about something'. With the many different tours I have taken in the various departments of the museum and my own specific research project, I think my summer embodies this quote very well."

A Study of Flying Squirrels of Southeast Asia

It has long been known that Southeast Asia represents an area of great biological diversity. The squirrels that were studied for this project are native to the Sundaland Hotspot, one of 34 regions of the globe recognized by Conservation International as uniquely special places for species diversity. This diversity is due, in part, to the fact that this locality is composed primarily of islands, many of which have their own unique plants and animals. The purpose of this study was to determine how many distinct species belonging to the flying squirrel genus Hylopetes are found within this hotspot. Due to their great similarities in physical appearance, a group of flying squirrels within this genus has been a source of confusion for many years. Are there a few, widespread species, or are there a number of species, each restricted to only one or a few islands? To complete this study, a number of measurements were taken on various aspects of squirrel skulls. In addition, the fur color and tail shape of squirrel skins were quantified. By making comparisons of these skull and skin characteristics among specimens from different land areas, the number and distribution of the species in question were determined.

This research was supported by the Bill and Jean Lane Internship Endowment.

Letter of gratitude