Common giant flying squirrel
The red giant flying squirrel or common giant flying squirrel (Petaurista petaurista ) is a species of rodent in the family Sciuridae (squirrels). It is found in a wide variety of forest–types, plantations and more open habitats with scattered trees in Southeast Asia, ranging north to the Himalayas and southern and central China. One of the largest arboreal squirrels, all populations have at least some reddish-brown above and pale underparts, but otherwise there are significant geographic variations in the colours. The taxonomic position of those in the Sundaic region is generally agreed upon, but there is considerable uncertainty about the others, which variously have been included in this or other species, or recognized as their own species.
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NocturnalNocturnality is an animal behavior characterized by being active during the night and sleeping during the day. The common adjective is "nocturnal",...
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HerbivoreA herbivore is an animal anatomically and physiologically adapted to eating plant material, for example, foliage, for the main component of its die...
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FolivoreIn zoology, a folivore is a herbivore that specializes in eating leaves. Mature leaves contain a high proportion of hard-to-digest cellulose, less ...
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ArborealArboreal locomotion is the locomotion of animals in trees. In habitats in which trees are present, animals have evolved to move in them. Some anima...
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GlidingGliding flight is heavier-than-air flight without the use of thrust and is employed by gliding animals. Birds in particular use gliding flight to m...
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TerrestrialTerrestrial animals are animals that live predominantly or entirely on land (e.g., cats, ants, snails), as compared with aquatic animals, which liv...
Among animals, viviparity is the development of the embryo inside the body of the parent. The term 'viviparity' and its adjective form 'viviparous'...
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MigratingAnimal migration is the relatively long-distance movement of individual animals, usually on a seasonal basis. It is the most common form of migrati...
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starts withOne of the largest arboreal squirrels. These flying squirrels have dark red colouring, large eyes and long slender tail. Entire body is dark reddish except for black on nose, chin, eye-ring, behind the ears, feet and tail tip. They have a membrane of skin between their legs and arms, which is used to glide between trees.
Red giant flying squirrels are found in northern South Asia, East Asia and Southeast Asia. Their range extends from Afghanistan, into northern India and Pakistan through to Java, and Taiwan, and also Sri Lanka. They can also be found in parts of Borneo and were recorded in Peninsular Malaysia, including Penang, Tioman Island and also Singapore. These flying squirrels inhabit a wide range of forests. They live in moist evergreen broadleaf forest, coniferous forests, scrub forest, rocky areas and in mountain peaks.
Red giant flying squirrels are solitary and arboreal. They are good climbers and can glide for long distances up to 75 metres (250 ft.) or greater. They live in nest holes which are usually located at least 10m above ground. Red giant flying squirrels do not hibernate but may migrate to areas with more food. They are also able to explore conifer plantations and use them as feeding and resting areas. These flying squirrels are nocturnal being most active between sunset and midnight. They usually become vocal during the evening hours and their low, monotonous moan is believed to be a mating call.
Red giant flying squirrels are herbivorous animals. They feed primarily on conifer cones, leaves and branches, and, when in season, fruits and nuts, and occasionally insects.
Little is known about the mating system and reproductive behavior of Red giant flying squirrels. They usually breed once a year. Females give birth to 1 or 2 kittens in February and August. Young are nursed in a nest made by the mother until 2.5 months of age.
Mian threat to Red giant flying squirrels is habitat destruction due to logging, agriculture, dam construction, infrastructure development, and urbanization.
According to IUCN, the Red giant flying squirrel is locally common and widespread throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List, however its numbers today are decreasing.
Social animals are those animals that interact highly with other animals, usually of their own species (conspecifics), to the point of having a rec...