Namdapha flying squirrel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Namdapha flying squirrel |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Holotype of the Namdapha flying squirrel, viewed from above and below | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Biswamoyopterus
|
| Species: |
biswasi
|
The Namdapha flying squirrel (Biswamoyopterus biswasi) is a special type of flying squirrel. It lives only in Arunachal Pradesh in northeast India. Scientists first found it in 1981 in Namdapha National Park. This squirrel is known from only one animal ever found, making it very rare.
Contents
About the Namdapha Flying Squirrel
This unique squirrel has reddish-brown fur with white on its belly. Its head is a pale grey color. It has a special skin flap called a patagium that helps it glide between trees. This flap is orangish.
What Does It Look Like?
The Namdapha flying squirrel measures about 40.5 centimeters (16 inches) from its head to its rear. Its tail is very long, about 60 centimeters (24 inches). Its back feet are about 7.8 centimeters long, and its ears are about 4.6 centimeters long. Its teeth are simple, and its front teeth (incisors) are not colored.
Discovering the Namdapha Flying Squirrel
Scientists first described the Namdapha flying squirrel in 1981. They based this discovery on a single animal found in Namdapha National Park. Its scientific name, Biswamoyopterus biswasi, honors Biswamoy Biswas. He was a director of the Zoological Survey of India.
Other Flying Squirrels in Its Group
The Namdapha flying squirrel was the first species found in its group, called Biswamoyopterus. Later, in 2013, another squirrel called the Laotian giant flying squirrel (Biswamoyopterus laoensis) was discovered. Then, in 2018, the Mount Gaoligong flying squirrel (Biswamoyopterus gaoligongensis) was found in China.
Where It Lives and Its Home
The Namdapha flying squirrel lives only in Arunachal Pradesh in northeast India. This means it is endemic to that area. It likes to live in tall Mesua ferrea jungles. These jungles are often found on hill slopes near the Dihing River. It especially likes the western slope of the Patkai mountain range.
Recent Sightings
In April 2022, researchers thought they saw a Namdapha flying squirrel in Arunachal Pradesh. To be sure, they plan to collect samples to check its DNA. This will help confirm if it was indeed this rare squirrel.
Protecting the Namdapha Flying Squirrel
The Namdapha flying squirrel is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. This means it is at a very high risk of disappearing forever. Its home might be limited to just one valley.
Threats to Its Survival
This squirrel faces several dangers. People sometimes hunt animals for food inside the park. Its home might also be harmed by habitat destruction. The Namdapha flying squirrel is one of the 25 "most wanted lost" species. These are animals that the Re:wild group is actively searching for to help protect them.
