Colugos

Written by Syuhada Sapno
Photo by Priscillia Miard from Night Spotting Project

Sunda colugo, Kubong

Galeopterus variegatus

Commonly known as a ‘flying lemur’ but the animal does not fly and it is not a lemur. In fact, it is more closely related to primates than marsupials. It is able to glide for long distances as it possesses a thin membrane that stretches all the way to the ends of its tail and each limb. Its fur colour varies from greenish-grey to reddish and yellowish orange.
It excretes by flipping its tail backwards. The infant clings tightly to its mother, similar to primates.

Local name: Kubong, kubung, kubung pelanduk, kijul

Activity pattern: Nocturnal

Ecological function: Tree productivity

Level in food chain: Primary consumer

Feeding behaviour: Folivorous

Food items: Leaves and young shoots, lichen

Microhabitat: Found high up in trees. Sunda colugos sleep on the trunk of the tree or can be spotted hanging on a branch. They can also be found on tree trunk as low as 50cm.