kulkute

Kulkute is a small, nocturnal mammal that belongs to the family Muridae. The species is distributed across the lowland rainforests of northeastern Thailand, Laos, and adjacent parts of Malaysia. Scientific literature first described the animal in the early 1990s under the provisional name *Murina kulkute*, but later revisions placed it within the subgenus *Cricetulie*. The kulu­kute is characterized by its elongated, hairless snout, dark iridescent fur, and a tail length roughly equal to its body. Its ears are broad and densely furred, enhancing its acute hearing.

Kulkute is primarily insectivorous, feeding on ants, beetles, and large insect larvae that it locates through a highly developed sense of smell and whisker contact. The species builds daytime burrows in fallen logs and frequents the lower canopy at night. Reproduction occurs twice a year with litters of three to five young. The young leave the burrow after 20 days and remain there for three to four weeks.

Conservation assessments classify the kulu­kute as Near Threatened, mainly due to habitat fragmentation and deforestation. Protected areas in Thailand and Laos offer some refuge. Local communities refer to the species by several names. In the Isan dialect, it is called “kulkut,” while the Karen people use the term “tawn.” The animal holds cultural significance for local folklore, in which it is associated with nocturnal guardianship and was historically hunted for its unique fur.

Recent studies focus on the species’ role in controlling insect populations, and it has been cited as an indicator of forest ecosystem health.