Namdapha Flying Squirrel: A Rare and Elusive Species

The Namdapha flying squirrel is a rare and elusive species found in the Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh, India.

Its large eyes are a distinctive feature, allowing it to navigate through the dense forest.

The Namdapha flying squirrel has a unique way of moving through the forest, using its patagium, a membrane that stretches from its wrists to its ankles, to glide long distances.

This remarkable ability allows it to cover great distances in search of food and shelter.

The Namdapha flying squirrel was first described in 1981, based on a single zoological specimen collected in Namdapha National Park. Its scientific name commemorates Biswamoy Biswas, director of the Zoological Survey of India.

This flying squirrel was the first member of the genus Biswamoyopterus, and it has a few notable relatives. The Laotian giant flying squirrel (Biswamoyopterus laoensis) was described in 2013, and the Mount Gaoligong flying squirrel (Biswamoyopterus gaoligongensis) was discovered in China in 2018.

The Namdapha flying squirrel is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. Here are some key facts about its status:

The Namdapha flying squirrel was first described in 1981, based on a single zoological specimen collected in Namdapha National Park. Its scientific name commemorates Biswamoy Biswas, the director of the Zoological Survey of India.

The Namdapha flying squirrel is the first member of the genus Biswamoyopterus.

In 2013, a new species was added to the genus Biswamoyopterus, the Laotian giant flying squirrel (Biswamoyopterus laoensis).

The Namdapha flying squirrel is a critically endangered species. It's listed as such on the IUCN Red List.

This species is only known from a single specimen collected in 1981. It's a rodent, and its scientific name is Biswamoyopterus.

The Namdapha flying squirrel is endemic to India, specifically the state of Arunachal Pradesh. It's also found in the Namdapha National Park.

Unfortunately, there have been no confirmed sightings of this species in the wild since 1981. However, a Swiss birdwatcher reported possible sightings in 2002.

Here are some key facts about the Namdapha flying squirrel's status:

The Namdapha flying squirrel is found only in Arunachal Pradesh, northeast India.

It specifically inhabits tall Mesua ferrea jungles.

These jungles are often located on hill slopes in the drainage basin area of the Dihing River.

The western slope of the Patkai range in northeastern India is also a home to this species.

In April 2022, a sighting was recorded in Arunachal Pradesh, which researchers are still working to verify.

To confirm the validity of this sighting, researchers plan to collect fecal samples for DNA identification.

The Namdapha Flying Squirrel is a species that's been shrouded in mystery since its discovery in 1981. Research indicates it occurs in dry deciduous montane forests, potentially limited to a single valley in Naharbhadi, along the River Noa Dihing.

Our surveys will begin in this protected area, NNP, which is the largest protected area in the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot. This is great news, as it means we're working with a safe and protected environment.

We believe this species is arboreal, living at elevations between 100 and 350m, and active at dusk. This basic knowledge has allowed us to identify patches of suitable habitat, giving us hope of rediscovering and bringing this lost species back from the brink of extinction.

A key aim of the project is to make equipment available for use on future small mammal research and conservation programmes.

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To find the Namdapha Flying Squirrel, one needs to search for it in its natural habitat, as naturalist Vivek Menon has done.

The Namdapha Flying Squirrel is a rare and elusive creature, making its discovery all the more exciting.

While searching for the squirrel, it's essential to have the right guidance and knowledge, which can be found in the work of naturalists like Vivek Menon.

The Namdapha National Park in India is a crucial location for spotting this species, as it is one of the few places where they can be found.