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Some notes on fig-eating by arboreal mammals in Malaysia

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Abstract

During a study of avian fig-eating at Kuala Lompat, Malaysia, observations were also made of fig-eating by mammals. Four species of primate, seven species of squirrel, and two species of civet consumed figs. Twenty-six species ofFicus were of importance to arboreal mammals. Observations suggest that there were differences in the importance of figs in the diets of sympatric langurs (Presbytis) and congeneric squirrels. Dusky langursPresbytis obscura ate carbohydrate-rich ripe figs despite their ruminant-like digestive system and the danger of bloat.

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Lambert, F. Some notes on fig-eating by arboreal mammals in Malaysia. Primates 31, 453–458 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02381118

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