What kind of animal is a flying squirrel? We will introduce and explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. Even in the photo, this animal, which can be seen gliding widely, is different from the flying squirrel and is endemic to Japan. Since it is a very small creature, many people have never seen one, but many people actually keep it as a pet, so it is highly recommended.
What is a flying squirrel? About basic status
A flying squirrel is a mammal belonging to the order Rodentia, family Squirrel, subfamily Squirrel, genus Flying Squirrel. The scientific name is Petaurista leucogenys, and it is written and written as 鼯鼠 or 鼺鼠 in kanji. It is a very small mammal, with a body length of 27-49 cm and a weight of 150-220 g. The list of information is as follows.
| Japanese（和名） | ムササビ |
| English（英名） | Capybara |
| scientific name(学名) | Petaurista leucogenys |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、 Rodentia、 Sciuridae、Petaurista 哺乳綱、齧歯目、リス亜科、ムササビ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | LEAST CONCERN |
| Length（体長） | 27-49cm |
| Weight（体重） | 150-220g |
About classification
Flying squirrels are a member of the genus Flying Squirrel, but are often mistaken for flying squirrels. There are several ways to tell the difference between flying squirrels and flying squirrels.
different sizes
The flying squirrel is the size of a handkerchief, and the flying squirrel is the size of a cushion. There are also differences in the shape of the membrane; the flying squirrel has a membrane between its tail and hind legs, but the flying squirrel does not. The tail of the flying squirrel is also longer and fuller than that of the flying squirrel.
different habitats
Flying squirrels usually prefer broad-leaved forests, while flying squirrels prefer coniferous forests, so there are differences in where they live.
Where is its habitat?
The distribution of the flying squirrel is endemic to Japan. It can be seen in Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu.
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
Flying squirrels have a membrane called a flying membrane between their long front legs and hind legs, which allows them to glide by spreading the flying membrane. Using this feature, you can jump from tree to tree. There is cartilage called spicule cartilage in the wrist, and its role is to increase the area of the flying membrane by protruding outward during gliding. It lives in mountains, flatlands, forests, and tree cavities, and is nocturnal.
What is your personality like?
Flying squirrels are small animals, very delicate and timid, so it takes quite a while to get used to them. Therefore, when breeding them, it is necessary to shorten the distance over time.
What is the ecology like?
Flying squirrels eat plant matter such as leaves, buds, flowers, fruits, seeds, and bark. Flying squirrels also spend most of their time in trees. Breeding occurs in June and December, and the males gradually gather around the female’s nest. They only mate once. The gestation period is around 75 days, with one to two children per birth. The lifespan is about 15 years.
Are there any natural enemies?
Flying squirrels are small mammals, so they have many natural enemies. The main predators are weasels, foxes, and hawks.
Is the flying squirrel an endangered species?
Flying squirrels are classified as low concern and their population is very stable.
Can flying squirrels be kept as pets?
In Japan, it is prohibited to keep flying squirrels by individuals under the Wildlife Protection Act. It is possible to become a wildlife conservationist, but I have to say that it is difficult. All you can do is observe how they live in the wild. You can see them moving and flying in the forest. They can often be seen at night.
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