Red giant flying squirrel
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The red giant flying squirrel (Petaurista petaurista) is a species of flying squirrel, which ranges from the eastern regions of Afghanistan to Java, and from Kashmir, Taiwan, and parts of southern China to Sri Lanka. Like all other species of flying squirrels, it has a membrane of skin between its legs, which is used to glide between trees. It is characterised by its dark red colouring and large eyes. When compared to other species of squirrels, this species is large, being on average 422mm long.
In the wild, they feed primarily on pinecones, leaves and branches, and, when in season, fruits and nuts. They are able to glide for long distances; there have been reports of distances up to 75m. Red giant flying squirrels are nocturnal and do not hibernate, but migrate to areas with more food.
Red giant flying squirrels are believed to mate twice a year and the young are typically born in March or August in litters of two to three.
References
- Baillie (1996). [Petaurista petaurista]. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 12 May 2006.
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