Five species of flying squirrels found in Uttarakhand

Dehradun: A study conducted by the Research Wing of Uttarakhand Forest Department has recorded the existence of five different species of flying squirrel in the state of Uttarakhand. The five species are namely the Red Giant flying squirrel, White Bellied flying squirrel, Indian Giant flying squirrel, Wolly filing squirrel and Kashmir flying squirrel.This study was […]

Dehradun: A study conducted by the Research Wing of Uttarakhand Forest Department has recorded the existence of five different species of flying squirrel in the state of Uttarakhand.

The five species are namely the Red Giant flying squirrel, White Bellied flying squirrel, Indian Giant flying squirrel, Wolly filing squirrel and Kashmir flying squirrel.
This study was commissioned by the Research Advisory Committee (RAC) headed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department and consisting of representatives from eminent research institutes.

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Sanjiv Chaturvedi, chief conservator of forest (research), said, “The main objective of the project were to study its distribution across the State, habitat types, threats and to formulate appropriate conservation strategy.” He further said that these species were selected because of their unique ecological functions.

The officials are of the opinion that over time, the squirrels have adapted to the altitude. The presence of dense forests at low altitudes may have drawn it down.

Flying squirrels are very important to the forest ecosystem. They play a significant role in the expansion of forests by facilitating seed dispersal and pollination.

At present, the population is decreasing because of indiscrimate felling of trees, causing habitat loss. Logging, agriculture, dam construction and urbanisation have also been threatening its habitat. It is also harvested for pet and fur trade in parts of South Asia.
Chaturvedi said that the study was carried out in six different areas in Uttarkashi, Rani Khet, Devprayag, Chakrata and Pithoragarh districts.