Woolly Flying Squirrel

Woolly Flying Squirrel Latest News

The wildlife wing of Himachal Pradesh Forest Department (HPFD) recently captured the first-ever photographic evidence of the elusive Woolly Flying Squirrel at Miyar Valley in Lahaul and Spiti district.

About Woolly Flying Squirrel

• Woolly Flying Squirrel, also known as Western Woolly Flying Squirrel, is one of the rarest and least known mammals in Asia.
• It is endemic to the northwestern Himalayas.
• Scientific Name: Eupetaurus cinereus
• It is the sole species of the genus Eupetaurus. 
• It was long believed to be extinct until its rediscovery in 1994 — nearly after seventy years. 
• Habitat: It appears to live in a fragmented habitat within a very limited area in a thin elevational band of dry conifer woodland. 

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Woolly Flying Squirrel Distribution

• It is native to northern Pakistan and northwestern India.
• Since 1994, specimens have been captured in the Sai Valley, Gorabad, and Balti Gali, all in northern Pakistan.

Woolly Flying Squirrel Features

• Like other flying squirrels, it has elastic membranes on each side of the body connecting the fore and hind legs.
• The body is covered by a dense coat of straight, silky hairs. 
• The dorsal pelage appears blue-gray, while the underside is pale gray in color. 
• Creamy white hairs cover the throat and ears, and dense, black fur covers the soles of the feet except for the naked, pinkish brown toe pads.

Woolly Flying Squirrel Conservation Status

It is classified as ‘Endangered’ under the IUCN Red List.

Woolly Flying Squirrel FAQs

Q1. Are woolly flying squirrels extinct?

Ans. It was long believed to be extinct until its rediscovery in 1994 — nearly after seventy years. 

Q2. The Woolly Flying Squirrel is endemic to which region?

Ans. Northwestern Himalayas

Q3. What is the IUCN Red List conservation status of the Woolly Flying Squirrel?

Ans. Endangered

Source: DH