Eupetaurus

Abstract: The woolly flying squirrel ( Eupetaurus cinereus ) is a rare, unusual, and poorly-known sciurid. Most information concerning this species comes from a few study skins collected over a century ago. In 1994, a live specimen was captured in northern Pakistan, and new physical and behavioral information gathered. Remains of other specimens were found, and anecdotal information was gathered from local people concerning natural history of the squirrel.

Abstract: The woolly flying squirrel ( Eupetaurus cinereus) is an extremely aberrant sciurid. It is the longest squirrel in the world and the only sciurid with hypsodont dentition. Most of the information on this species comes from a few study skins collected from the western Himalayas over a century ago. The unusual tooth structure of the squirrel led to suppositions about its diet, including the supposition that it ate moss and lichens scraped from rocks. In 1994, 1995, and 1996, we analyzed fecal samples from 4 squirrels. All 4 squirrels ate 92‐100% pine needles. These data, coupled with observations of captive and recently released specimens, indicated that woolly flying squirrels feed, mostly or entirely, on pine needles. Such a diet is extremely unusual for a mammal and may explain the squirrel’s unusual tooth structure. Destruction of high-elevation pine woodlands in this region is a distinct and immediate threat to the survival of this species.

Abstract: Woolly flying squirrel (Eupetaurus cinereus) is among the least recorded mammals of the world. Most records come from Pakistan's northern mountainous regions. Presence of this species has not been reported in Azad Jammu and Kashmir in the existing literature. Present study investigated the presence of this species in Shounthar Valley of district Neelum, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Local residents, hunters and Salaajeet collectors were consulted to identify the probable habitat of woolly flying squirrel in the study area. After preliminary consultation, nine sites were selected in Shounthar Valley for further field investigation through attempts at direct observation of the animal in its natural habitat as well as indirect evidence. Evidence suggesting the presence of woolly flying squirrel was found in all nine sites; these lay between 3270m and 3660m elevation. A live animal captured from the study area was confirmed by measurements and photographs to be a woolly flying squirrel, and presence at the other sites is provisionally recorded based on calls, collection of hairs, faecal material, etc. Occupied habitat was characterized by steep slopes, difficult to approach cliffs and mixed vegetation including Abies pindrow, Betula utilis, Juniperus macropoda, Pinus wallichiana, Taxus wallichiana, Skimmia laureola, Potentilla eriocarpa, Poa bactriana, Bergenia stracheyi, Artemisia vulgaris and Bistorta affinis. Habitat degradation due to deforestation and livestock grazing may be the major factors adversely affecting the general habitat in the study area and this species might have negative consequences.