Rare Flying Squirrel Captured Gliding in Indian Forests

IFS officer Shivakumar Gangal shares a rare video showcasing the remarkable flight of a flying squirrel, highlighting India's rich biodiversity.

Indian Forest Service officer Shivakumar Gangal shared a 12-second video of a flying squirrel gliding between trees at night, a rare and captivating sight.
The squirrel's flight, enabled by its patagium—a skin membrane between its limbs—demonstrates its unique adaptation for gliding through forest canopies.
India is home to 17 species of flying squirrels, with the majority found in the Northeast, and they play a vital role in forest ecosystems through seed dispersal and biodiversity maintenance.
The video has garnered widespread attention on social media, with viewers expressing amazement and sharing personal anecdotes of encountering flying squirrels in the wild.
Concerns about potential disturbance to wildlife were addressed by Gangal, who emphasized the importance of documentation for conservation efforts while ensuring minimal intrusion.