Namdapha flying squirre
The Namdapha flying squirrel (Biswamoyopterus biswasi) is an arboreal, nocturnal mammal shrouded in mystery.
It's endemic to Arunachal Pradesh in northeast India, known only from a single specimen collected in Namdapha National Park in 1981.
No verified sightings have been recorded since, making it one of the world's "lost species."
Believed to inhabit tall Mesua ferrea jungles, often on hill slopes along the Dihing River in northeastern India.
Primarily nocturnal, gliding between trees using a furry membrane called a patagium.
Basic details and habitat
Believed to favor tall Mesua ferrea jungles, particularly on hill slopes near the Dihing River.
Prefers the humid microclimates within these lush forests.
Likely utilizes tree hollows for nesting and shelter.
Primarily herbivorous, feasting on fruits, nuts, and seeds.
May supplement its diet with insects on occasion.
The Namdapha Tiger Reserve pulsates with life and mystery.
Spanning across 1,985.23 square kilometers in Arunachal Pradesh.
It's a treasure trove of biodiversity, boasting ancient rainforests, snow-capped peaks, and an astonishing array of flora and fauna.
Basic Details
Location: Nestled in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh, bordering Myanmar.
Established: 1983, designated as a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger.
Area: 1,985.23 sq km, comprising a 1,808 sq km core area and a 177 sq km buffer zone.
Habitat: Encompasses diverse ecosystems, from lowland evergreen rainforests to alpine meadows, supporting a plethora of plant and animal species.
Biodiversity: Over 1,000 floral species and 1,400 faunal species documented, including the iconic Royal Bengal Tiger, Asiatic black bear, clouded leopard, and numerous bird species.
Conservation: Plays a crucial role in protecting endangered species and preserving the ecological balance of the region.
Why in News
A nocturnal flying squirrel has resurfaced in Arunachal Pradesh after going missing for 42 years.
The failure of zoologists to locate the arboreal mammal during several expeditions thereafter generated two theories .
It could have been mistaken for the very similar red giant flying squirrel (Petaurista petaurista) sharing the same ecosystem or worse, become history.
Location
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