#pteromys

Siberian Flying Squirrel Pteromys volans

It is found across northern Europe and Asia, mainly in Siberia, from Finland to Korea and Hokkaido, Japan. They favor old forests with a mix of conifers and deciduous trees. They are mostly nocturnal, and do not hibernate. The EU, Finland and Estonia have launched a six-year, 8.9 million euro project to help protect the squirrel.

Momonga or Japanese Dwarf Flying Squirrel (Pteromys momonga), family Sciuridae, Hokkaido, Japan

A Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) in the boreal forest, North Mongolia

Siberian Flying Squirrel (Pteromys volans), family Sciuridae, Finland

Momonga or Japanese Dwarf Flying Squirrel (Pteromys momonga), family Sciuridae, Hokkaido, Japan

Siberian Flying Squirrel - Pteromys volans

Pteromys volans (Rodentia - Sciuridae) is a small to medium-sized glider squirrel which is distributed in the palearctic region (north of Europe and Asia). They have a membrane that extends between their fore- and hind limbs. Unlike some other species of flying squirrels, Pteromys volans do not have a membrane between their hind limbs and the base of their tail.

These pretty squirrels have distinct, large, black eyes, and also have thick, long and soft fur. The margins of the gliding membrane are bordered with a distinct fringe of soft fur. 

Listed as Least Concern in the IUCN Red List, the Siberian Flying Squirrel is included in Habitats Directive Annex IV of European Union (92/43/EEC) and is, therefore, in need of strict protection. It is considered Vulnerable at the national level in Finland and also in China.

References: [1] - [2] - [3]

Siberian Flying Squirrel

Pteromys volans (Sciuridae) is an old-world flying squirrel distributed throughout Scandinavia, Russia, across northern Asia to Siberia and south along the Pacific coast of northern China.

Unlike some other species of flying squirrels, Pteromys volans lacks a membrane between their hind limbs and the base of their tail, but has a membrane that extends between their fore- and hind limbs.  

The Siberian Flying Squirrel is characterized by its distinctive, large, black eyes. They are nocturnal and prefer spruce-dominated forests for moving, foraging and reproduction.

References: [1] - [2]

Photo credit: ©L. Mikonranta