Spotted Giant Flying Squirrel

Description: A large species but where it occurs with other giant flying squirrels it is always smaller. The fur on the back of its head, shoulders and back is black with clumped white frosting, giving the impression of spots. Towards its rump, the fur is dark rufous. There is a wide variety in the colouration of the fur between the subspecies.

Distribution: Around and on the eastern Himalayas in Bhutan, quite common between 3000–4000 metres. Also in south-eastern Tibet (= Xizang, China) (between 1200–1800 metres), east to central China and northern Burma. It also occurs in Thailand, Malay Peninsula and the islands of Java, Sumatra and Borneo.

On the Malay Peninsula the habitat includes primary forest and partially cut primary forest at elevations from 200–1500 metres, up to 3000 metres in south-western China. On Borneo it occurs on hill dipterocarp and lower montane forests, while on the Malay Peninsula it occurs in tall forests. It has been found in the Himalayas in rhododendron scrub and on rocky cliffs.

In Nepal it can be found in oak—rhododendron forest in central, midland, temperate and coniferous forests of the eastern midland.

Reproduction: Breeding occurs just before the rainy season. A single young is produced.

Diet: Includes seeds, fruit and leaves, although few details are known.

Ecology: In Thailand it nests in hollows in East Himalayan Fir (Abies spectabilis), lining its nest with ferns and leaves.

Status: Least Concern.