News: The Wildlife Wing of the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department (HPFD) has successfully captured the first-ever photograph of the elusive Woolly Flying Squirrel in the Miyar Valley of Lahaul and Spiti district. Woolly flying squirrel.
About Woolly Flying Squirrel
- It is one of the rarest and least known mammals in Asia.
- It belongs to the genus Eupetaurus in the family Sciuridae.
- It is the largest and heaviest of all gliding mammals and is known for its unique appearance and elusive nature.
- Native: They are native to parts of Asia, particularly in the mountainous regions of northern Pakistan, including the Diamer and Gilgit districts.
- It is endemic to the northwestern Himalayas. They are also possibly found in northern India, especially in Sikkim, and other nearby countries.
- Physical features:
- It possesses elastic membranes on each side of its body that connect the forelimbs to the hind limbs.
- Its body is covered with a dense layer of straight, silky fur.
- The upper side (dorsal pelage) displays a blue-gray hue, while the underside is a pale gray.
- This species is nocturnal, meaning it is active during the night and rests during the day.
- IUCN Red List: Endangered
