Flying squirrel

About: Flying squirrel is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 360 publications have been published within this topic receiving 5689 citations. The topic is also known as: flying squirrel.

Timing of Circadian Activity in the Flying Squirrel in Central Finland

Abstract: Tormala T., Vuorinen H. & Hokkanen H., 1980: Timing of circadian activity in the flying squirrel in central Finland. Acta theriol., 25, 38: 461—474 [With 4 Tables & 3 Figs.]. Activity patterns of wild flying squirrels (Pteromys volans Linnaeus, 1758 were studied using an automatic cine camera recording system in central Finland. The recording system is described and evaluated. The flying squirrels were generally nocturnal; only the lactating females and their young had an additional diurnal period in summer. Flying squirrels started their activity generally after sunset. Maximal phase-angle differences (4—6 hours) occurred in winter. The flying squirrels returned to their nests in most cases before sunrise

Effects of forest structure on the distribution of southern flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans) in urban parks

Abstract: Although southern flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans) are present in many urban parks, squirrel-habitat relationships in such areas are poorly understood, limiting conservation efforts. Our objective was to quantify the effects of forest structure at multiple scales on flying squirrel distribution in New York City (NYC) parks. From 18 June–24 August 2001, we captured flying squirrels in 5 New York City parks and measured forest structure at the ground, shrub, understory, and overstory levels at trap sites. To examine the importance of forest structure to squirrels, we compared (1) habitat variables between trap stations where squirrels were captured and not captured and (2) habitat variables between parks with and without documented squirrel populations. Our data suggest that areas with forests containing smaller trees at higher densities, dense woody ground cover, and little herbaceous ground vegetation may not provide the food, cavities, ease of movement, or allow predator detection necessary to be used by or support flying squirrel populations. Other factors, such as the size and density of stumps and snags may be important to non-urban squirrel populations, but not populations in NYC parks. Because NYC parks contain almost all of the remaining woodlands within the City, forests within these areas should be a conservation priority.

Phylogenetics of Petaurista in Light of Specimens Collected from Northern Vietnam

Abstract: The southern part of China and northern part of Indochina Peninsula is one of the hot-spots of biodiversity (e.g., Cincotta et al. 2000; Cox and Moore 2005). In this area, there are many endemic mammalian species, such as giant panda Ailuropoda melanoleuca, saola Pseudoryx nghetinhensis, Tonkin snub-nosed monkey Rhinopithecus avunculus, Inornate squirrel Callosciurus inornatus, black-eared red-backed vole Eothenomys olitor, and Yunnan hare Lepus comus (e.g., Wilson and Reeder 2005). Meijaard and Groves (2006) also found high mammalian diversity in the east side of the Mekong River including this area. Therefore, this area would be very important for the speciation and diversity of mammals in Asia. Giant flying squirrels (genus Petaurista) are widely distributed throughout South and Southeast Asia and in southern China, Taiwan, and Japan (Corbet and Hill 1992; Wilson and Reeder 2005). At present, they are split into eight species: P. alborufus, P. elegans, P. leucogenys, P. magnificus, P. nobilis, P. petaurista, P. philippensis, and P. xanthotis (Wilson and Reeder 2005). In each species, many variations and synonyms are reported (e.g., Ellerman and Morrison-Scott 1951; Corbet and Hill 1992; Wilson and Reeder 2005). In the southern China and northern Indochina Peninsula, three giant flying squirrel species (P. alborufus, P. petaurista, and P. philippensis) are commonly found (Lekagul and McNeely 1988; Corbet and Hill 1992). Based on genetic variations and morphological characteristics, in southern China, Yu et al. (2006) recognized as distinct two additional species (P. hainana from Hainan Island and P. yunanensis from Yunnan), although these species had been classified as P. philippensis by Wilson and Reeder (2005). Thus, this area may also be a biodiversity hotspot for Petaurista species. Based on molecular data, Oshida et al. (2004a) proposed that Petaurista might have some geographical evolutionary units or groups. Southern China and the northern Indochina Peninsula may be the source of one geographical evolutionary unit of Petaurista. To explore this conjecture further, we examined the phylogenetic position of two Petaurista species collected from northern Vietnam, the Indian giant flying squirrel (P. philippensis) and the spotted giant flying squirrel (P. elegans). These two forms were phylogenetically compared with those from southern China and the island of Sumatra. Here, we discuss the phylogenetic relationships of P. philippensis and P. elegans.