Japanese Dwarf Flying Squirrel

Japanese dwarf flying squirrels belong to the Old World flying squirrel of the genus Pteromys, found in the forests of Japan. These squirrels have the ability to glide. They possess a skin membrane called ‘patagium’ joining their wrists and ankles, with the help of which they can glide from one tree to another.

Description

Size: Length: 5.5 – 7.8 in (14-20 cm). The tail is 3.9 – 5.5 in (10-14 cm) long.

Weight: 0.33 – 0.48 lb (0.15 – 0.22 kg)

Body and Coloration: With a small size and fluffy body, these squirrels are cute to look at. They have a grey-brown fur color at the back and white color around the belly. Their large eyes cover most of their face and the flat tails make their bodies compact.

Range and Distribution

As per their name, these are gliding squirrels found in the Japanese islands of Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku.

Habitat

They are very common in forests where trees are abundant because these squirrels live in trees. They mostly occur in boreal-evergreen and sub-alpine forests.

They prefer to live in conifers, such as pine and spruce, to broad-leaved trees. Their nests are built in the holes of the tree trunk or at the cross point between branches and tree trunks. The nests are lined with mosses and lichens.

Diet

These dwarf squirrels are herbivores and their diet include nuts, buds, tree bark, pine seeds, and fruits. But they also consume insects occasionally.

Behavior

• Japanese dwarf flying squirrels are a nocturnal species. In the daytime, they stay hidden in their holes from where they come out at dusk.
• They are arboreal and spend most of their time on trees and rarely descend on the ground.
• These squirrels are active throughout the year. They do not hibernate but sometimes sleep for several days during winter.
• When eating, they are found in a hanging posture, chewing or picking up food from the ground, while dangling upside down a twig or branch.
• They are often found grouped together on a single tree. Mostly, individuals of the same sex stay in groups. The nests of breeding pairs are separate.
• They communicate with each other through chittering noises. But mothers also use tactile communication with their offspring for the first few weeks after birth.

Lifespan

The lifespan of a Japanese dwarf flying squirrel is 5-7 years in the wild.

Adaptations

• Like other flying squirrels, they have a membrane called ‘patagium’, with the help of which they can glide from one tree to another. This helps them to escape from their predators.
• Their small body size makes it difficult for predators to spot them.
• These squirrels can blend into the trees with the help of their body color and escape the eyes of their predators.

Mating and Reproduction

Japanese dwarf flying squirrels mate once or twice a year and can produce up to five puppies in a single litter with an average of 2-3. The newborns are weaned after six weeks. They have a gestation period of one month. The mother is known to actively participate in grooming and caring for its offspring while the role of the father in parental care is not known. More information about their reproduction and mating behavior is yet to be found.

Predators

The main predator of these squirrels are owls.

Conservation Status

The IUCN has listed Japanese dwarf flying squirrels as “Least Concern” or “LC.” No major threat to their population has been found yet. They have a wide range of population and are found in well-protected areas.

Interesting Facts

• Japanese dwarf flying squirrels can be lovely pets. They can bond easily with humans.
• These squirrels are odorless, and they have dry droppings. 
• They glow bright pink under ultraviolet light while flying.