Indian Giant Flying Squirrel

Indian Giant Flying Squirrel Latest News

A rare sighting of the Indian giant flying squirrel has been reported in Ranikhet, a picturesque hill station in Uttarakhand.

About Indian Giant Flying Squirrel

• Size: One of the largest flying squirrels, with a body length of about 30 – 45 cm and a tail measuring up to 60 cm.
• Features: They have a rufous coat, grey underparts, and large, round eyes. Their flying membrane extends from their wrists to their ankles, which enables them to glide from tree to tree.
• Habitat: Found in tropical and subtropical forests across central and southern India. Evergreen, semi-evergreen and deciduous forests frequent forest edges.
• Diet: Primarily feeds on fruits, nuts, leaves, and bark, contributing to seed dispersal.
• Behaviour: 
  • Nocturnal and arboreal, it glides between trees in search of food, covering distances up to 60 meters. Owls have been found to predate on them and they are found giving alarm calls on seeing or hearing owl’s calls.
  • The Indian Giant Flying Squirrel is widely distributed and plays a significant role in maintaining forest ecosystems, making it a keystone species in its habitat.
• Protection under WPA: The Indian giant flying squirrel is listed in Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• IUCN Status: The Indian giant flying squirrel (Petaurista philippensis) is currently listed as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). 
  • While the global status is “Least Concern,” its population in India is facing threats like habitat loss and degradation, which have led to a “Near Threatened” status within the country.

Indian Giant Flying Squirrel FAQs

Q1. Can Indian giant squirrels fly?

Ans. No, Indian giant squirrels (Ratufa indica) cannot fly or glide; they move by leaping between trees.

Q2. What is the largest flying squirrel in India?

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Ans. The Indian giant flying squirrel (Petaurista philippensis) is among the largest flying squirrels in India.

Q3. Do flying squirrels live in India?

Ans. Yes, India is home to several flying squirrel species, including the Indian giant flying squirrel (Petaurista philippensis).

Q4. Can flying squirrels bite?

Ans. Yes, like other wild rodents, flying squirrels can bite if threatened or handled improperly.

Source: IE