Petaurista magnificus (Hodgson, 1836)

Don E. Wilson, Thomas E. Lacher, Jr & Russell A. Mittermeier, 2016, Sciuridae, Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 6 Lagomorphs and Rodents I, Barcelona: Lynx Edicions, pp. 648-837 : 772

143.

Hodgson’sGiant Flying Squirrel

Petaurista magnificus

French: Pétauriste magnifique / German: Hodgson-Riesengleithérnchen / Spanish: Ardilla voladora gigante de Hodgson

Taxonomy. Petaurista magnifica Hodgson, 1836 ,

C and N regions of Nepal.

This species is monotypic.

Distribution. Nepal, Sikkim, NE India (Arunachal Pradesh), Bhutan, S Tibet (= Xizang, China).

Descriptive notes. Head-body 359-420 mm, tail 415-550 mm; weight 1-3— 1-8 kg. Hodgson’s Giant Flying Squirrel is large and readily distinguished from other species of Petaurista by wide dark brown or black dorsalstripe extending from nose to base of tail. Stripe contrasts significantly with light yellowish brown pelage on sides and legs and with yellow shoulder patches. Anterior dorsal patagium is reddish brown. Tail is dark at base, lighter and more reddish brown for most ofits length, and black at tip. Ventral fur and feet are light rufous to ocherous color. It is often sympatric with the Spotted Giant Flying Squirrel (P. elegans), from which it can be distinguished byits larger size (25%), its dorsalstripe (in contrast with dorsal spots on the Spotted Giant Flying Squirrel), and lighter pelage ofits sides and tail.

Habitat. Tropical and subtropical evergreen and broadleaf deciduous forests, such as oak (Quercus, Fagaceae) forest, in lowland areas to elevations of ¢.3000 m.

Food and Feeding. Hodgson’s Giant Flying Squirrel is primarily herbivorous; it eats grasses, bark, buds, flowers, acorns, chestnuts, other hard fruit, and leaves. It also eats termites and other insects.

Breeding. Hodgson’s Giant Flying Squirrel has small litters (c.1 young/litter). Adult males do not share nests with females when young are present. Generation length is thought to be 7-8 years.

Activity patterns. Hodgson’s Giant Flying Squirrel is nocturnal, and it tends to stay high in the trees. It is known for deep and resonantcalls that are given at the onset of activity around sunset when it can be seen gliding for distances of up to 100 m.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. Hodgson’s Giant Flying Squirrel spends the day in nests in tree holes ¢.5-15 m high. Nests are lined with moss,fur, and other soft materials.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. Current population trend of Hodgson’s Giant Flying Squirrel is decreasing. It is included in the Schedule II (Part II) of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Little is known aboutits population and ecology, perhaps due to its naturally low numbers. More surveys and basic research on its distribution, population status, and natural history are needed to better understand threats and useful conservation action. The Hodgson'’s Giant Flying Squirrel is considered to be declining in many parts ofits distribution because of an increasing loss of habitat due to human development,fire, conversion of forests to agriculture, and hunting pressure. All habitats at the type locality have been lost. Habitat fragmentation might be especially problematic because of lack of dispersal across open ground. Populations confined to small habitat fragments can potentially lead to decreased numbers and increased inbreeding and inbreeding depression.

Bibliography. Chabaud & Bain (1976), Chatterjee & Majhi (1975), Chowattukunnel & Esslinger (1979), Dasgupta et al. (1978), Fan Pengfei & Jiang Xuelong (2009), Hayssen (2008b), Jackson (2012), Jackson & Thorington (2012), Lee Peifen & Liao Chienyu (1998), Lin Yaosung et al. (1985), Mackerras (1962), Mitchell (1979), Molur (2008c), Muul et al. (1973), Smith & Yan Xie (2008), Spratt & Varughese (1975), Srinivasulu et al. (2004), Thorington & Heaney (1981), Thorington et al. (2012), Yamaguti (1941), Yorke & Maplestone (1926).

Figures

135. Namdapha Flying Squirrel (Buswamoyopterus biswasi), 136. Laotian Giant Flying Squirrel (Buswamoyopterus laoensis), 138. Red Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaurista petaurista), 139. Chinese Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaurista xanthotis), 140. Red-and-white Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaunista alborufus), 141. Indian Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaurista philippensis), 142. Gray-headed Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaurista caniceps), 143. Hodgson’sGiant Flying Squirrel (Petaurista magnificus), 144. Mechuka Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaunrista mechukaensis), 145. Mebo Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaurista siangensis), 146. Mishmi Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaurista mishmiensis), 147. Bhutan Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaurista nobilis)