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‘New Bornean carnivore’ is most likely a little known flying squirrel
Author(s) -
MEIJAARD ERIK,
KITCHENER ANDREW C.,
SMEENK CHRIS
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
mammal review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.574
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1365-2907
pISSN - 0305-1838
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2907.2006.00089.x
Subject(s) - carnivore , morphometrics , geography , zoology , ecology , biology , predation
1 We analysed two camera‐trap photos of an alleged new species of carnivore from Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia. 2 Comparisons of the features seen in the photos with morphological features of 17 similar‐looking species from the region suggest that the animal is not a new species of carnivore, as had been widely speculated, but is most likely a rarely seen species of flying squirrel, probably Aeromys thomasi . 3 We advocate continuing adherence to the formalities of species description based on actual specimens and a formal review process. Even informal announcements about possible new species based on photographs or other indirect evidence should adopt a cautionary approach. All the possibilities should be eliminated using any available means, such as comparative morphometrics and assessments of body shape and posture, and coat colour.