First photographic record of Indian giant flying squirrel Petaurista philippensis Elliot, 1839 from Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat

Abstract

Flying Squirrels are nocturnal gliding mammals, and occur in 15 genera and 43 species worldwide and 11 species reported in India, out of them, only Indian Giant Flying Squirrel Petaurista philippensis found in Gujarat state. The species is mentioned as Least Concern (LC) in IUCN Red data book, but few studies indicate its decreasing status in India due to hunting, anthropogenic disturbances, habitat destruction, and agricultural encroachment. There are no existing baseline records and data on status and distribution of the species in Gujarat. However, some scattered records indicating presence of the species in Ratanmahal Wildlife sanctuary, Kevdi Reserve forest, Polo Reserve forest, Dangs forest and Vyara forest of Gujarat. Current study is first ever photographic evidence of the species from Jambughoda wildlife sanctuary of Gujarat state.