Pteromys momonga, Temminck, 1844
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publication ID |
https://doi.org/ 10.5281/zenodo.6840226 |
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DOI |
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6818898 |
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persistent identifier |
https://treatment.plazi.org/id/064D0660-FF88-ED75-FFC1-FB6DFD67FC08 |
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treatment provided by |
Diego |
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scientific name |
Pteromys momonga |
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Japanese Flying Squirrel
French: Polatouche du Japon / German: Japan-Gleithdrnchen / Spanish: Ardilla voladora de Japon
Other common names: Small Japanese Flying Squirrel
Taxonomy. Pteromys momonga Temminck, 1844 View in CoL ,
“Kyushu, Japan.”
Molecular analyses (based on mitochon-
drial cytochrome-b gene) of several genera of flying squirrels suggest that the genus Pteromys is most closely related to Petaurista. Monotypic.
Distribution. Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, Japan.
Descriptive notes. Head-body 140-200 mm, tail 95-140 mm; weight mean 151-8 g. The Japanese Flying Squirrel is ¢.15% ofthe size of the Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaurista leucogenys) and 25% larger than the Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus). Its dorsum is light brown or grayish brown; belly and ventral surface of patagium are white. Head is robust and rounded anteriorly. There is a prominent tuft of long hairs at end of each toe on hindfeet. Tail is more blackish than rest of body.
Habitat. Montane coniferous forests,just below tree line. The Japanese Flying Squirrel often occupies nest cavities and will inhabit artificial nest boxes readily. Tree bark is used for nest construction.
Food and Feeding. The Japanese Flying Squirrel eats mainly seeds, nuts,fruits, leaves, buds, bark, and fungus.
Breeding. The Japanese Flying Squirrel may breed twice a year. Gestation is c¢.4 weeks. Litters are generally 2-3 young. Young are weaned after c.6 weeks.
Activity patterns. Japanese Flying Squirrels are nocturnal and arboreal. During the day, they can be found in their nests or tree holes. They emerge at dusk, moving quickly about the treetops.
Movements, Home range and Social organization. Several Japanese Flying Squirrels can be found grouped together on a single tree; however, outside the breeding season, they tend to be of the same sex.
Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. Current population trend of the Japanese Flying Squirrel is unknown. It is locally common and generally widespread within its distribution. Although its distribution is limited,it is found in several protected areas and is not considered threatened by human activity. Threats in local areas could include habitat fragmentation, isolating populations and leading to inbreeding depression.
Bibliography. Ando (2005), Hayssen (2008a), Ishii & Kaneko (2008b), Jackson (2012), Jackson & Thorington (2012), Lee Peifen & Liao Chienyu (1998), Letcher et al. (1994), Millien-Parra & Jaeger (1999), Oshida & Yoshida (1999), Oshida, Hiraga et al. (2000), Thorington et al. (2012).
No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.
