Treeshrews | Scandentia
Treeshrews, or Scandentia, are small arboreal mammals endemic to South and Southeast Asia. They are mostly found in tropical forests and resemble rats except for their pointy snouts. They are omnivorous, though some are insectivorous. Besides, some don’t live in trees. They have large eyes, excellent hearing, good vision, long, soft tails, grayish to reddish-brown fur, and slender bodies. Arboreal species are smaller than terrestrial species. Females give birth to around three young ones after about 50 days. Some treeshrews live in small social groups defending territory from intruders, while others are solitary. Besides, many are diurnal.
First, you need to know that the treeshrew is not as arboreal as the squirrel. It has a long and pointed snout while the squirrel has a more rounded face and a bushier tail. Another feature that separates them is that the squirrel has two cream and black stripes on its sides.
The closest living relatives of the treeshrew are primates. Although other studies show that they also have some relation to bats and even colugos. Despite being an insectivore and resembling squirrels, treeshrews are not real shrews. These primitive primates can be nocturnal and arboreal and prefer a solitary life.
Treeshrew may be related to humans but are not as smart as humans, maybe a mouse. What they beat humans on is their ability to seek hot pepper and drink the nectar of the Bertram plant, which has a high concentration of alcohol. Hence, they have a tremendous tolerance for pungency.