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FlyingSquirrel
Size:Depending on the species of flying squirrel.
Colouring:Generally, flying squirrels have predominantly gray-and-brown coats, with generally white underparts, though they vary from species to species.

Flying squirrel

(fam: Sciuridae)

Description:
Flying squirrels are mammals and they are a tribe of 44 species of squirrels in the family Sciuridae, but despite their name they cannot actually fly in the same way as birds or bats but are able to glide from one tree to another tree. They have skin between their forelegs and hind legs which tightens when they stretch their extremities, allowing them to glide in the air. It is estimated that they can glide a distance of up to 90 meters. During the glide they use their tail for stabilization and steering.

Did you know...?

Flying squirrels can make a 180 degree turn during their glide.

Diet:
Flying squirrels prefer to forage at night, because they can rely on their excellent sense of smell. They are omnivorous and will eat whatever they can find. Their diet includes fruits, nuts, fungi and bird eggs. The ability to glide from tree to tree shortens their foraging time a lot and makes them very efficient energy consumers.

Habitat:
There are flying squirrels in North America, Europe and North Asia, but the biggest diversity of species is found in South and South East Asia. They occur in many different habitats, however they always need forested environments, otherwise they are not able to use their gliding skills. They are not confident walking on the ground and would be an easy prey for any predator walking by.

Reproduction:
The mating season for flying squirrels is in February and March. The mother builds a nest, in which the infants are born. At birth, the squirrels have no hair and they are totally dependent on their mother. It takes them about 2.5 months to bring their gliding skills to perfection. After that they will leave the nest and live by themselves.

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