The Indian Giant Flying Squirrel

Appearance:

• It is one of the largest species of flying squirrels, with a body length ranging from 35 to 50 cm (14 to 20 inches), not including the tail.
• The fur coloration varies, but it typically ranges from shades of brown to reddish-brown.
• It has a distinctive membrane of skin known as the patagium that stretches from its wrists to its ankles, allowing it to glide.

Habitat:

• The Indian Giant Flying Squirrel inhabits dense tropical forests and montane forests.
• It is often found in hilly and mountainous regions with ample tall trees for gliding.

Behavior:

• As a nocturnal species, it is active during the night and spends its daytime hours resting in tree hollows or nests.
• It is arboreal, spending most of its time in trees, where it glides between trees using its patagium.
• Its diet consists of a variety of plant materials, including fruits, nuts, leaves, and sometimes insects.

Distribution:

• Found across South Asia, including countries like India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and parts of Southeast Asia such as Myanmar and Thailand.
• Its distribution is closely tied to the availability of suitable forest habitats.