Scientists discovered world's smallest squirrel

Indonesian scientists have found the world's smallest squirrel in Borneo rain forest in the central parts of the country, reports xinhuanet.com.

The Bormean pigmy squirrel or exilisciurus exilis was found in Meratus mountain of South Kalimantan province, Zainudin Basriansyah, scientist at Lambung Mangkurat university of the province disclosed on Monday.

"One of surprising things is the fact that there is a unique and endangered species, the smallest squirrel in the world in Meratus mountain," he was quoted by Antara news agency as saying.

The species, found on Sept. 16 during an expedition, has a size of 73 mm long with weight of about 17 gram, said Basriansyah.

"This type of species lives across Borneo island, especially the area with height of over 1,000 meters above sea surface," he said.