THE MORPHOMETRICS AND BIOCHEMICAL PROFILE OF THE AFRICAN PALM SQUIRREL (EPIXERUS EBII) IN NSUKKA LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Background: The African Palm Squirrel is a unique and lesser-studied species within the rodent family. Investigating its morphometrics and biochemical profile can provide valuable insights into the species' health, adaptability, and potential vulnerabilities. Method: Squirrels (n = 20) were used for this study which were recovered from the study areas. Traps were positioned at where they are often seen and monitored from morning to evening time to see if there is a catch. Squirrel caught were kept in a basket and were catered for and were released after use. The morphometric measurements were obtained using accurately calibrated rule. Biochemical tests analyzed using ELISA methods. Results: The head length ranged between 5.0 cm and 7.5 cm (6.38 ± 0.81 cm), full body length between 41.0 and 51.0 cm (47.05 ± 2.24 cm), and fore and hind limbs were 6.0 – 10.0 cm and 6.5 – 12.0 cm respectively. Their mean body weight was 300.00 ± 53.52 g (range: 147.0 – 357.0 g). Apart from the mean body weight, males were apparently not physical different in body size from the female. On the average, male weighed significantly more than female (332.64 ± 22.11 g vs. 260.11 ± 54.19 g, t = 3.77, p = 0.00357). All the body length measurements were not significantly different in magnitude between male and female squirrels. The profile of the enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and acid phosphatase (ACP) were 42.50 ± 2.74 (38.0 – 48.0 IU/L), 58.75 ± 4.04 (50.0 – 66.0 IU/L), 107.95 ± 3.20 (102.0 – 113.0 IU/L), and 92.80 ± 3.99 (86.0 – 98.0 IU/L) respectively. Total protein (TP) was 4.62 – 6.92 mg/dl (6.00 ± 0.60 mg/dl). The glucose concentration was between 64.0 and 88.0 mg/dl (77.75 ± 6.64 mg/dl). Urea and creatinine concentrations were 77.45 ± 4.33 mg/dl and 4.61 ± 0.75 mg/dl respectively. There was no significant difference between male and female in the magnitude of any of the ten selected serum biochemical (p > 0.05). A bivariate significant positive linear relationship existed between tail length and full body length (r = 0.58), and a negative linear relationship between tail length and forelimb length (r = - 0.68) (p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between any two of the other morphometric variables. Conclusion: In this study on the morphometrics and biochemical profile of the African palm squirrel (Epixerus ebii), several key findings have emerged, shedding light on the physical characteristics and physiological parameters of this species.