Distribution and Status of Indian Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaurista philippensis Elliot) in Rajasthan, India

• DOI: 10.1007/s40009-012-0105-z
• Publication Date: 2013-02-08T21:25:51Z
• Authors: Vijay Kumar Koli; Chhaya Bhatnagar; Satish Kumar Sharma
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; 15. Life on land; 01 natural sciences

Distribution and status of Indian Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaurista philippensis Elliot) have been assessed in the state of Rajasthan, India. A total of 1,704 km surveys were made in southern Rajasthan from January 2009 to June 2011. A total of 86 flying squirrels were encountered at 39 sites of 4 districts and mainly concentrated in protected areas. The overall encounter rate was 0.05 animals/km. Petaurista philippensis was found to be natural cavity dweller and mostly nested on Madhuca longifolia. Hunting, cultural traditions, myths and construction of national highway were found major potent factors for decline flying squirrels’ population.