Tree shrews belong to the family Tupaiidae and are primarily found in Southeast Asia. These small, agile creatures are often referred to by different names, depending on the region. Synonyms for the term "tree shrew" include treeshrew, tupaia, tupai, pen-tailed treeshrew, Anjing kelapa, and Kerdasi. They are commonly mistaken for rodents, but have been classified as separate from them due to unique characteristics such as their elongated snouts, strong tails, and the ability to metabolize alcohol. Tree shrews play a crucial role in the ecosystem, acting as pollinators and seed dispersers in their habitat.