Namdapha Flying Squirrel

Context

After 42 years of no confirmed sightings, in 2023, the Namdapha flying squirrel was finally rediscovered! This has brought renewed hope for conservation efforts.

Namdapha Flying Squirrel

A Rare and Elusive Species:

• Endemic to India: This squirrel is only found in Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India, specifically known from a single specimen collected in Namdapha National Park in 1981.
• Critically Endangered: Due to its limited range and population, the IUCN lists it as critically endangered.

Unique Characteristics:

• Arboreal and Nocturnal: Like most flying squirrels, it lives in trees and is active at night.
• Gliding, not Flying: Despite the name, flying squirrels don’t fly like birds or bats. They have furry membranes stretching between their limbs, allowing them to glide long distances between trees.
• Diet: Primarily herbivorous, feeding on fruits, seeds, and leaves.

Threats and Conservation:

• Habitat Loss: Deforestation and human encroachment on its limited habitat pose a significant threat.
• Poaching: Unfortunately, some communities hunt these squirrels for food.
• Conservation Efforts: The rediscovery has given conservationists renewed hope. Initiatives like Re:wild’s “Search for Lost Species” aim to study and protect this unique species.