About the Project

The ZooTrophy Animal-a-Day project began on October 15th, 2013 as illustrator Angela "LemurKat" Oliver began working her way, systematically but selectively, through the alphabet and presenting, via social media, an illustrated animal to the world. Daily.

All pieces are drawn as 2.5 x 3.5 inch collectible cards, using a combination of polychromos and prismacolor pencils, along with other art materials. Many are still available for purchase ($10) or trade, so drop her an email if anything captures your eye or if there is an animal you wish to request.

It is predicted this project will take her at least two years to complete - with approximately 36 animals being drawn for each letter. She has also used the images to create a collectible hardback encyclopedia series, playing cards and a desk calendar, as well as the ZooTrophy collectible trading card game.

Sunday, July 24, 2016

#885: The Treeshrew has the highest brain:body ratio of any mammal.

The Treeshrews are not actually a shrew at all. Currently, she is considered to be more closely related to the colugo and primate Families. There are 20 species, spread across Southeast Asia. Her brain to body ratio is the highest of any other mammal, including humans, although this is in part due to her small size. She favours an omnivorous diet, feeding on insects, small vertebrates, nuts and seeds. Her maternal skills are relatively weak - her young are born weak and hairless, into a nest of dried leaves, and she suckles them only for a few minutes each day. They grow fast, and will leave the nest within a month and become sexually mature at about four months old.