In News:

A rare sighting of the Indian Giant Flying Squirrel (Petauristaphilippensis) has been reported in Ranikhet, a hill station in Uttarakhand, highlighting the ecological richness of the region.

About Indian Giant Flying Squirrel

Feature                                         Description

Scientific Name                      Petauristaphilippensis

Size                                                   Body length: 30–45 cm; Tail length: up to 60 cm

Appearance                               Rufous coat, grey underparts, large eyes, and a gliding membrane from wrist

                                                to ankle

Locomotion                                Glides up to 60 meters between trees using patagium (gliding membrane)

Habitat and Distribution

• Found in tropical and subtropical forests across central and southern India
• Inhabits evergreen, semi-evergreen, and deciduous forests, especially near forest edges
• Recent sighting in Uttarakhand indicates possible range expansion or overlooked presence

Ecological Role

• Diet: Fruits, nuts, leaves, and bark
• Acts as a seed disperser, supporting forest regeneration
• Considered a keystone species due to its ecological significance

Behavioural Traits

• Nocturnal and arboreal
• Emits alarm calls upon detecting predators like owls
• Active at night, gliding from tree to tree in search of food

Conservation Status

Category                                                   Status

IUCN Red List (Global)                     Least Concern

IUCN Status (India)                           Near Threatened (due to habitat loss)

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972       Schedule II

Threats

• Habitat loss and fragmentation
• Deforestation and degradation of forest corridors
• Increasing human encroachment in forested landscapes