Showing papers on "Flying squirrel published in 2016"

Seasonal Variation in the Activity Budget of Indian Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaurista philippensis) in Tropical Deciduous Forest, Rajasthan, India

Abstract: Knowledge of the activity patterns and budget provide insight into how animal adapt to the environment through behavioural modification. Time activity budget of Indian giant flying squirrel (Petaturista philippensis) was studied in the tropical deciduous forests of the Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan, India, from March 2009 to February 2010. The study revealed that the species exhibited a bimodal activity pattern with a first peak in the early-night, while a second lower peak occurred during the late-night. Annual activity budget was mostly devoted to resting (45.85 %) and feeding (27.72 %) followed by locomotion (10.84 %), grooming (6.20 %), exploring (5.71 %), inside tree cavity (2.15 %), and calling (1.24 %) activities. Except grooming (P 0.05) among seasons. Among all seasons, the species was found more active in winter season.

Food abundance and weather modify reproduction of two arboreal squirrel species

Abstract: The importance of weather in relation to food resources, in determining reproduction, remains poorly understood for mammals, particularly for species that do not depend on food resources limited by spring weather conditions. We studied the effects that weather and food supply had on timing of spring reproduction and observed litter size in 2 squirrel species, the Siberian flying squirrel and the European red squirrel, using long-term data sets spanning 20–30 years. Both species subsist on foods from tree masting, and these are available for squirrels from autumn until early spring. Good food conditions in winter and spring before reproduction had positive effects on spring reproduction in both species by advancing the onset of reproduction, and in flying squirrels, slightly increasing litter size. Higher temperature in late winter and, surprisingly, increased precipitation in late winter resulted in early reproduction in flying squirrels and red squirrels, respectively. In addition, higher early spring temperature was positively related to litter size in red squirrels, likely reflecting low survival of small juveniles in cold weather. Our study supports the view that spring reproduction in these species is determined by food supply before breeding. Our results also highlight the fact that reproduction is also dependent on weather.

Siberian flying squirrels do not anticipate future resource abundance

Abstract: One way to cope with irregularly occurring resources is to adjust reproduction according to the anticipated future resource availability. In support of this hypothesis, few rodent species have been observed to produce, after the first litter born in spring, summer litters in anticipation of autumn’s seed mast. This kind of behaviour could eliminate or decrease the lag in population density normally present in consumer dynamics. We focus on possible anticipation of future food availability in Siberian flying squirrels, Pteromys volans. We utilise long-term data set on flying squirrel reproduction spanning over 20 years with individuals living in nest-boxes in two study areas located in western Finland. In winter and early spring, flying squirrels depend on catkin mast of deciduous trees. Thus, the temporal availability of food resource for Siberian flying squirrels is similar to other mast-dependent rodent species in which anticipatory reproduction has been observed. We show that production of summer litters was not related to food levels in the following autumn and winter. Instead, food levels before reproduction, in the preceding winter and spring, were related to production of summer litters. In addition, the amount of precipitation in the preceding winter was found to be related to the production of summer litters. Our results support the conclusion that Siberian flying squirrels do not anticipate the mast. Instead, increased reproductive effort in female flying squirrels is an opportunistic event, seized if the resource situation allows.

Biology and Conservation Status of Flying Squirrels (Pteromyini, Sciuridae, Rodentia) in India: An Update and Review

Abstract: Flying squirrels are capable of gliding and one of the least known mammals of the world. Work on these animals is less and sporadic due to their crepuscular and cryptic habits. At the present scenario, a complete pilot study is in an urgent need to formulate conservation strategies and policies to conserve them in India. Therefore, a thorough review on biology and conservation status of flying squirrels in India is provided here. A total of 13 species of flying squirrels present in India i.e., Belomys pearsonii, Biswamoyopterus biswasi, Eupetaurus cinereus, Eoglaucomys fimbriatus, Hylopetes alboniger, Petaurista elegans, P. mishmiensis, P. magnificus, P. mechukaensis, P. nobilis, P. petaurista, P. philippensis and Petinomys fuscocapillus, wherein three are endemic to the country. P. philippensis has broader distribution and is found to be more studied than others. Eastern part of the country contains the highest species number (n = 10) follows three in northern part, two in southern part and one in western part subsequently. All species are facing threat to their population due to native habitat loss, degradation and hunting. Harmonization, alliances and partnership between various stakeholders along with better application of standard techniques would be strengthen to develop conservation strategies and implementing their coordinated actions could preserve flying squirrels’ future in the country landscape.

Responses of New World flying squirrels to the acute stress of capture and handling

Abstract: Northern ( Glaucomys sabrinus ) and southern ( G. volans ) flying squirrels have glucocorticoid (GC; stress hormone) levels higher than most vertebrates but virtually no binding capacity for these GCs via the carrier protein, corticosteroid-binding globulin. Thus, their total GCs are essentially all free and biologically active. However, the GC estimates come from blood samples taken after squirrels had been in live traps, and thus in a stress-induced state. Obtaining baseline values for physiological variables is valuable for assessing the response of vertebrates to stressors in their environment. We compared baseline plasma total cortisol levels (within 3min of capture) to stress-induced levels (after 30min of trap restraint) in both flying squirrel species. We recorded baseline cortisol levels that were some of the highest ever reported for mammals, indicating their stress axes operate at a higher set point than most other species. As part of the stress response, we also measured 4 indices in addition to cortisol. Total cortisol and free fatty acids increased in both species, as predicted. In contrast with our predictions, blood glucose and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio showed no overall change, and hematocrit decreased significantly. New World flying squirrels therefore appear to have a stress response that differs from many other mammals. The selective forces driving the physiology of these animals remain elusive, but this lineage may provide an interesting comparative system for the study of stress axis function and its evolution among vertebrates.

Sex-specific patterns in body mass and mating system in the Siberian flying squirrel

Abstract: Reproductive strategies and evolutionary pressures differ between males and females. This often results in size differences between the sexes, and also in sex-specific seasonal variation in body mass. Seasonal variation in body mass is also affected by other factors, such as weather. Studies on sex-specific body mass patterns may contribute to better understand the mating system of a species. Here we quantify patterns underlying sex-specific body mass variation using a long-term dataset on body mass in the Siberian flying squirrel, Pteromys volans. We show that female flying squirrels were larger than males based on body mass and other body measures. Males had lowest body mass after the breeding season, whereas female body mass was more constant between seasons, when the pregnancy period was excluded. Male body mass did not increase before the mating season, despite the general pattern that males with higher body mass are usually dominant in squirrel species. Seasonal body mass variation was linked to weather factors, but this relationship was not straightforward to interpret, and did not clearly affect the trend in body mass observed over the 22 years of study. Our study supports the view that arboreal squirrels often deviate from the general pattern found in mammals for larger males than females. The mating system seems to be the main driver of sex-specific seasonal body mass variation in flying squirrels, and conflicting selective pressure may occur for males to have low body mass to facilitate gliding versus high body mass to facilitate dominance.

Systematics of flying squirrels

Abstract: Systematics, distribution, and habitat of Glaucomys volans in Mexico and Central America are assessed. Four subspecies are recognized, one of which is here described, and three others are placed in synonomy. Glaucomys v. oaxacensis of central Oaxaca differs markedly from G. v. goldmani of adjacent Chi- apas. The presence of Glaucomys volans in Chihuahua is regarded as unverified. Specimens reputedly from there, and referred to G. v. madrensis, are much like those from Oaxaca. Glaucomys volans occurs primarily in oak or pine-oak habitat; this habitat in Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras is usually available above 800 m, whereas comparable habitat in the United States is primarily below 800 m. The southern flying squirrel, Glaucomys volans (Linnaeus), has a disjunct distribution, the primary range of which is throughout the eastern third of the United States wherever deciduous or mixed de- ciduous-pine forests are present. A poorly known, isolated group of this species also occurs in the mountainous regions of Mexico, Guate- mala, and Honduras. This study incorporates new data and summar- izes information on the morphology, distribution, and ecology of this nocturnal, arboreal species in Mexico and northern Central America. The following chronological account outlines the taxonomic history of the species in this area. The species was first recorded south of the United States by Tomes (1862), who listed a skin only from Duenas, Guatemala. The species was later recorded from Mexico when Nelson (1904) described Sciu- ropterus volans goldmctni (= Glaucomys volans goldmani) on the basis of two specimens from near Teopisca, Chiapas. Howell (1918), in revising the American flying squirrels, did not record additional speci- mens from Mexico or Guatemala. Goldman (1936) described two ad- ditional subspecies from Mexico-G. v. herreranus, probably from the mountains of Veracruz, and G. v. madrensis, reportedly from the Sierra Madre Occidental of Chihuahua. Goodwin (1936) named G. v.

A virtual survey based debate on Conservation Strategies of Indian Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaurista p. philipp)

Abstract: *Corresponding Author: nadharaiya@gmail.com Published by: National Cave Research and Protection Organization, India Vol. 03(1): 16-21 Year 2016 ISSN2348 5191 (Print) & 2348 8980 (Electronic) ambient SCIENCE

An individual of flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) belonging to the Far Eastern philogenetic lineage was found in the suburbs of Moscow.

Abstract: The southern border of the flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) natural range goes through the northern and eastern parts of the Moscow oblast. However, near Zvenigorod (western part of the Moscow oblast), there is a population formed by animals brought to the Zvenigorod Biological Station of the Moscow State University from other areas, including the Far Eastern part of the species range. Since 2010, flying squirrels have been registered in the Troitsk district, southwest from the urban part of the city of Moscow. Genetic analysis of a dead animal found in this district showed a high similarity of the sequence of mtDNA fragment with sequences typical for the Russian Far East—but not for the European part of the species range. It is suggested that descendants of the Far Eastern flying squirrels unintentionally introduced near Zvenigorod are actively expanding their range throughout the Moscow oblast.

Applying genetic methods to identify northern and southern flying squirrels and determine conservation needs

Abstract: The two species of flying squirrels found in North America are the northern (Glaucomys sabrinus) and the southern (G. volans) flying squirrel. Both species have wide range distributions across North America, yet differences in their preferred habitat result in few areas of sympatry. Climate change however, has shifted the southern flying squirrel’s range limit further north, thus allowing the two species to encounter each other more frequently. Glaucomys volans is the more competitive of the two, and also carries a nematode parasite (Strongyloides robustus) proven to be deleterious towards its sister species. The northern incursion of the southern flying squirrel may therefore dislodge its sister species from its original distribution. With G. sabrinus considered endangered in different parts of North America, and G. volans listed as “concerned” in its northernmost limit, the two species require close monitoring. Morphological identification is often challenging for incomplete and juvenile specimens, therefore we developed a molecular identification protocol using mitochondrial and nuclear markers in tandem to help distinguish each species. These protocols were tested on Glaucomys individuals located elsewhere in Canada and the USA to ensure the validity of the designed primers. Moreover, employing our methods may detect F1 hybrids. To assess the current genetic portrait of G. sabrinus populations in Quebec before the potential invasion of its sister species, a preliminary population genetics study using seven microsatellite loci was also realized. The various conservation and management implications are discussed.

Erratum to: Home-range use patterns and movements of the Siberian flying squirrel in urban forests

Abstract: [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s40462-016-0071-z.].

Dynamics of regional distribution and ecology investigation of rare mammals of taiga eurasia (case study of flying squirrel pteromys volans, rodentia, pteromyidae)

Abstract: Juri P. Kurhinen1,2, Vladimir N. Bolshakov3, Svetlana N. Bondarchuk4, Elena V. Vargot5,6,7, Sergey N. Gashev8, Elena A. Gorbunova9, Evgeniy S. Zadiraka10, Ernest V. Ivanter11, Sergey K. Kochanov12, Elena V. Kulebyakina13, Viktor N. Mamontov13, Artur V. Meydus14, Evgenia A. Muravskaya15, Dmitriy S. Nizovtsev8, Tatyana E. Pavlyushchik16, Valdis Pilats17, Andrey V. Sivkov18, Natalja S. Sikkilya19, Leonid V. Simakin20, Evgeniy N. Smirnov4, Uudo Timm21, Ilpo K. Hanski1,22

Molecular Phylogeny of Rediscovered Travancore Flying Squirrel ( Petinomys fuscocapillus ) and its Conservation Implications

Abstract: Petinomys fuscocapillus (Travancore flying squirrel), Jerdon 1847, is a near threatened species, native to India and Sri Lanka. Deforestation, wood plantation, infrastructure development, poaching and natural predators are major threats to the species. This study reports for the first time the molecular phylogenetic position and level of genetic divergence of P. fuscocapillus among the flying squirrel species of South and Southeast Asia, based on two mitochondrial genes. The phylogenetic analysis confirms that the P. fuscocapillus and Petinomys setosus (Temminck’s flying squirrel) are sister taxa and share most recent common ancestry. Phylogenetic position of other flying squirrels obtained in the present study was also supported by the previous studies. We also emphasize on the extensive survey for population sampling, need for plantations to maintain a continuous canopy and enforcement of strict laws at the potential geographical distribution of the species in two countries.

Home, Sweet Nest Box: A Comparison of Detection Methods for the Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans) in Ozaukee and Washington Counties, WI

Abstract: The purpose of this field study was to compare detection methods for Glaucomys volans through installation of nest boxes and wildlife cameras in Ozaukee and Washington Counties in Wisconsin, and to determine an optimal setup for using a feeding tray with a wildlife camera. G. volans does not have special conservation status, but requires wooded habitat. The wooded areas do not have to be large parcels of land, as proven by documentation of populations of G. volans in highly urban and fragmented areas. With the rapid onset of habitat change to address agricultural needs, residential or commercial planning, and the continued import of exotic species; forest compositions are changing. An understanding of the most effective detection methods for this species could facilitate the development of more targeted management strategies for Southern flying squirrel populations. G. volans has never been documented in the high-quality, old-growth, beech-maple forest at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Field Station in Saukville, Wisconsin. Ten nest boxes were secured to trees transecting the Field Station forest. The boxes were checked once a month for nesting material, nuts, or G. volans . An additional method used for detection was a wildlife camera trained on a feeding tray, capturing images of nocturnal visitors. A separate wildlife camera was used in Slinger, Wisconsin, where flying squirrels have been documented previously. The information from these cameras was used to compare the time, temperature, food preference, and behavior at the feeding tray between Slinger and the Field Station site in order to discern whether flying squirrels exhibited differential behavior at these sites. At the Field Station, the peak times of activity for the squirrels to visit the feeding tray were between 6 PM - 9 PM and then again from 11 PM – 4 AM. The peak times of activity for the camera in Slinger, Wisconsin were between 5 PM – 7 PM, 9 PM – 10 PM, and 12 AM – 3 AM. At the Field Station, Southern flying squirrels exhibited a preference for sunflower seeds over peanuts and the squirrels were most active in the tray around the edges, rather than in the center. Conclusions about food preference and behavior at the tray could not be drawn from the images taken at the Slinger location due to inability to conclusively identify these behaviors. The wildlife camera proved superior to the nest boxes for detection of flying squirrels. It took 18 days to first detect flying squirrels at the Field Station using cameras, while flying squirrels were never detected at this location in the nest boxes. An increased understanding of the best detection methods for G. volans can lead to the preservation and management of appropriate habitat, leading to continued survivability and sustainability for this species into the future.