India is home to a vast array of animal species, from majestic tigers and elephants to tiny insects and amphibians. Among the country’s diverse wildlife, there are some lesser-known but equally fascinating creatures that are worth learning about. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Parti-Coloured Flying Squirrel. We will explore their unique characteristics, habitats, and the challenges they face in the wild, as well as the importance of conserving these incredible animals for future generations.
Origin
The parti-coloured flying squirrel (Hylopetes alboniger) is a species of flying squirrel found in South and Southeast Asia, including India. The evolutionary origins of this species can be traced back to the family Sciuridae, which includes squirrels, chipmunks, and marmots. The parti-coloured flying squirrel is a member of the subfamily Pteromyinae, which includes all species of flying squirrels.
The exact evolutionary history of the parti-coloured flying squirrel is not well understood, but it is believed to have originated in the forests of Southeast Asia, where most species of flying squirrels are found. Fossil records show that the ancestors of modern-day flying squirrels existed during the Eocene epoch, which lasted from about 56 to 33.9 million years ago.
It is thought that the parti-coloured flying squirrel, along with other species of flying squirrels, likely reached India by crossing the land bridge that connected Southeast Asia to the Indian subcontinent during the Miocene epoch, which lasted from about 23 to 5.3 million years ago. This land bridge, known as the Sundaland, was a vast expanse of land that connected present-day Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore with India and other parts of Asia.
Over time, the parti-coloured flying squirrel and other species of flying squirrels adapted to their new habitats in India, evolving unique features and behaviors to survive in different ecological niches. Today, the parti-coloured flying squirrel is found in the forested areas of the Indian subcontinent, where it plays an important role in maintaining forest ecosystems through seed dispersal and pollination.
Distribution and Population in India
The parti-coloured flying squirrel (Hylopetes alboniger) is a species of flying squirrel found in various parts of India, particularly in the northeast and the Himalayan region. Its distribution range in India includes states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, and West Bengal.
The exact population size of the parti-coloured flying squirrel in India is not well known, but the species is believed to be relatively common in its preferred habitat of tropical and subtropical forests. However, like many species of flying squirrels, it is difficult to observe and study in the wild, making it challenging to estimate its population size accurately.
Features
Appearance
The parti-coloured flying squirrel (Hylopetes alboniger) is a small to medium-sized species of flying squirrel. They are typically around 20-25 cm in length, with a tail that is slightly longer than their body, and they weigh around 150-200 grams. The species is named for its distinctive parti-coloured fur, which is a combination of gray, brown, and orange on its back, with a white underbelly.
Male and female parti-coloured flying squirrels look very similar in terms of appearance, and it is difficult to distinguish between the sexes without closer examination. The only noticeable difference is that male squirrels may be slightly larger than females.
Lifestyle
Parti-coloured flying squirrels are arboreal and mainly nocturnal, spending their days in tree hollows or nests made from leaves and twigs. They are highly adapted to life in the trees, with large, flap-like skin membranes known as patagia that extend between their limbs, allowing them to glide from tree to tree. These animals are agile and move easily through the trees, using their long tails and sharp claws to grip branches.
In terms of reproduction, little is known about the mating behavior of the parti-coloured flying squirrel in the wild. It is believed that breeding takes place during the winter months, and females give birth to one or two offspring after a gestation period of around two months. The young are weaned after about two to three months and become fully independent at around six months of age.
Food Habits
The diet of the parti-coloured flying squirrel mainly consists of nuts, fruits, and seeds. They have been observed feeding on a variety of plant species, including figs, mangoes, and acorns. They are also known to occasionally feed on insects and small animals.
Habitats
The species prefers to live in tropical and subtropical forests, including broadleaf and montane forests, and is found at elevations ranging from sea level to around 2,500 meters. They are adapted to living in regions with high rainfall and humid conditions. The parti-coloured flying squirrel is an important seed disperser and plays a vital role in maintaining forest ecosystems.
Species of Least concern
The parti-coloured flying squirrel (Hylopetes alboniger) is not currently classified as threatened or endangered globally by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, it is important to note that the species is threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation and agricultural expansion in some areas of its range.
In India, the species is protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which provides legal protection against hunting, poaching, and trade. It is also listed as the “Least Concern” by the Indian government. While there is no specific date when the species was listed as vulnerable, it is important to continue monitoring the population and habitat of the parti-coloured flying squirrel in India to ensure its long-term survival. Conservation efforts such as habitat protection and restoration, as well as efforts to minimize human-wildlife conflict, can help to protect the species and its habitat
Protected Areas
These protected areas are established under the Wildlife Protection Act, of 1972 and are managed by the respective state governments in collaboration with the central government.
Protected areas are important for the conservation of biodiversity and play a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. They provide habitat protection to a variety of species, including the parti-coloured flying squirrel. In addition, they help to maintain ecological balance, prevent habitat destruction and provide opportunities for scientific research and eco-tourism.
Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, is one such protected area that is important for the conservation of the parti-coloured flying squirrel. The sanctuary is home to a variety of bird and mammal species, including the white-winged wood duck, the red panda, and the Asiatic black bear. The sanctuary is managed by the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department, which is responsible for implementing conservation measures and monitoring wildlife populations.
Namdapha National Park, also located in Arunachal Pradesh, is another protected area that provides a habitat for the parti-coloured flying squirrel. The park is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to several rare and endangered species, including the Bengal tiger, the clouded leopard, and the hornbill. The park is managed by the state government of Arunachal Pradesh and is also recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International.
Protected areas such as these are critical for the conservation of the parti-coloured flying squirrel and other wildlife species in India. Effective management and conservation efforts in these areas can help to ensure the survival of the species and maintain healthy ecosystems.
Conservation of the Species
Protecting and conserving their natural habitats is one of the most effective ways to ensure the survival of these species. This can be achieved through the creation and management of protected areas, such as national parks and wildlife reserves, and the restoration of degraded habitats.
Illegal hunting and poaching of these species is a major threat to their survival. Effective anti-poaching measures, such as increased patrols, community-based monitoring programs, and strong enforcement of wildlife laws, can help to reduce this threat.
Raising public awareness about the importance of these species and their conservation can help to reduce the demand for their products, such as fur and body parts, and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Education and awareness programs aimed at local communities and hunters can also help to reduce the illegal hunting of these species.
Gathering more information about these species, including their population sizes, distribution, and ecological needs can help to inform conservation efforts and improve our understanding of their conservation status.
In some cases, conservation breeding programs may be necessary to support the recovery of populations that are at risk of extinction. This involves breeding individuals in captivity and then releasing them back into the wild, once sufficient populations have been established.
