Biswamoyopterus biswasi, Saha, 1981

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 : 769

135.

Namdapha Flying Squirrel

Biswamoyopterus biswasi

French: Polatouche de Namdapha / German: Biswas-Riesengleithornchen / Spanish: Ardilla voladora de Namdahpa

Other common names: Namdapha Giant Flying Squirrel

Taxonomy. Biswamoyopterus biswasi Saha, 1981 ,

Namdapha, Tirap District, Arunachal

Pradesh, India.

This species is monotypic.

Distribution. Known only from the type locality at Namdapha on the W slope of the Patkai Range in NE India.

Descriptive notes. Head-body mean 405 mm, tail mean 605 mm. No specific data are available for body weight. The Namdapha Flying Squirrel is large, with ear tufts and red, grizzled with white, upper parts. Dorsal surface of patagium is glossy mahogany red; ventral surface is washed faintly orange rufous. Cylindrical tail beyond interfemoral membrane is proximally pale smoky gray, washed with red, and changing distally to vinaceous rufous, russet, or clove-brown near tip. Crown of head has patch of pale violet-gray pelage. Pelage of muzzle is vinaceous red, changing to mahogany red around eyes; black line crosses nasal bridge. Underparts are white, with grayish tones. Well-developed interfemoral membrane underneath has band of pale red, grizzled with gray and white near margin. Underarm is red.

Habitat. Tropical dry deciduous forests in riparian zones at elevations of 100-350 m.

Food and Feeding. There is no information available for this species.

Breeding. There is no information available for this species.

Activity patterns. Namdapha Flying Squirrels are thought to be crepuscular.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. There is no information available for this species.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Critically Endangered on The IUCN Red List. Current population trend of the Namdapha Flying Squirrel is decreasing. It is known only from a single specimen collected in 1981, and there have been no verified sightings since, despite the area being well surveyed. It may be restricted to a single valley in the Namdapha National Park and is likely susceptible to threats including logging, agriculture, poaching for food, and flooding. More surveys and basic research on its distribution, population status, and natural history are urgently needed to better understand threats and useful conservation action.

Bibliography. Jackson (2012), Jackson & Thorington (2012), Koli (2016), Kumar (1998), Lee Peifen & Liao Chienyu (1998), Meijaard & Groves (2006), Molur (2008a), Molur et al. (2005), Saha (1981), Thorington et al. (2012).

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)