Dr. Keegan Selig, an assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology at Texas A&M University, is studying the diversity of two lesser-known mammals—treeshrews and colugos—which are closely related to primates. His research focuses on whether what is currently considered a single species may actually include multiple distinct species.
Selig recently led a project on the pen-tailed treeshrew, a small tree-dwelling mammal from Southeast Asia. Although this animal is classified as one species with two subspecies—P. l. lowii from Borneo and P. l. continentis from the Malay Peninsula and nearby islands—his team found differences in their tooth shape and limb size. Using 3D computer models and measurements from museum specimens, they showed that the two groups may be more different than expected, possibly even separate species.
This matters because both groups live in areas affected by deforestation and other human activity. Understanding whether there are one or more species helps scientists reassess conservation status and protect biodiversity more effectively. If each group is its own species, they may each face different risks and need separate conservation plans.
Selig plans to use the same approach to study the Sunda colugo, another animal from the same region that may also include more than one species. Previous genetic research supports this idea, and Selig’s work will test it using physical traits.
This research, published in the Journal of Mammalogy, shows how modern tools and museum collections can reveal important details about species diversity and conservation needs. The research was supported by National Science Foundation grants SBE-1028505 (to SGBC and EJS) and BCS-1552848 (to DMB), as well as a Leakey Foundation Research Grant to SGBC.