whiskered flying squirrel
National Parks/ Sanctuaries
-
Common Names
whiskered flying squirrel
Regions
Brunei DarussalamIndonesiaMalaysia
Population
3,000
Habitat
Tropical and Subtropical Rainforest
Weight(in lbs) and Life Span
200–300 grams (7–10.... and 5–8 years in the wild
Regions
Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand
The Whiskered Flying Squirrel is a small gliding rodent with distinctive “whiskers” or tufts of fur on its cheeks and throat, which give it a characteristic appearance. This species has a sleek brown to grayish-brown coat with a lighter underside, and a membranous flap of skin (patagium) stretching from its forelimbs to its hindlimbs, allowing it to glide between trees. Adults measure approximately 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) in body length, with a tail length of 15–20 cm (6–8 inches), and weigh around 200–300 grams (7–10.5 oz). Highly arboreal and nocturnal, it relies on trees in dense forests and is believed to feed primarily on fruits, leaves, and possibly insects.
Activity Instructions
- Draw the Animal: Use the next page to draw a picture of the animal. Use your imagination and make it colorful!
- Write an Essay: Write a short essay about the conservation efforts to save this animal. Here are some questions to guide you:
- Why is this species important in its ecosystem?
- What are the threats it faces, and how can we help?
- What do you find most interesting about this species?
