Spotted Giant Flying Squirrel

activity

Activity patterns. The Spotted Giant Flying Squirrel is nocturnal, only appearing after dusk, and arboreal. It nests in tree holes and on rock ledges.

Sciuridae

biology_ecology

Habitat. Primary and partially cut temperate montane coniferous forests with understories of rhododendron (Rhododendron, Ericaceae) and tropical evergreen or dipterocarp forests. In the western part ofits distribution, the Spotted Giant Flying Squirrel is found at elevations of ¢. 3000 - 4000 m. In Peninsular Malaysia, it often occurs at much lower elevations (¢. 200 - 3000 m) in primary forests and those in which some timbering has occurred. It appears to be less common near human settlements. It is common and locally abundant and nests in hollows or on rocky ledges.

Sciuridae

biology_ecology

Movements, Home range and Social organization. Gliding dynamics of the Spotted Giant Flying Squirrel have been indirectly investigated. It appears to have one of the highest wing loadings among flying squirrels, which probably requires a faster glide to maintain glide ratio (horizontal distance / vertical height). It is quite vocal and can call up to 20 times with high-pitch expiratory monotones; less often, it emits muffled whirring sounds.

Sciuridae

breeding

Breeding. The Spotted Giant Flying Squirrel breeds prior to the rainy season, producing a single offspring per year.

Sciuridae