dcsimg

Lifespan, longevity, and ageing

provided by AnAge articles
Maximum longevity: 19.2 years (captivity) Observations: One captive specimen was still alive at 19.2 years of age (Richard Weigl 2005).
license
cc-by-3.0
copyright
Joao Pedro de Magalhaes
editor
de Magalhaes, J. P.
partner site
AnAge articles

Behavior

provided by Animal Diversity Web

Despite having a strictly nocturnal lifestyle, this species relies heavily on sight, although hearing, touch, and olfaction are also undoubtedly important. Members of this family display a variety of social behaviors. Flying squirrels are vocal, having very loud, high-pitched calls that are almost bird-like in sound.

Communication Channels: visual ; acoustic

Perception Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; chemical

license
cc-by-nc-sa-3.0
copyright
The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
bibliographic citation
Wheeler, S. 2004. "Petaurista leucogenys" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Petaurista_leucogenys.html
author
Shanna Wheeler, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
author
Phil Myers, Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
editor
Matthew Wund, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
original
visit source
partner site
Animal Diversity Web

Conservation Status

provided by Animal Diversity Web

Currently, the Japanese giant flying squirrel is not listed as endangered or threatened. However, there are two other species of giant flying squirrels that are endangered or threatened.

US Federal List: no special status

CITES: no special status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern

license
cc-by-nc-sa-3.0
copyright
The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
bibliographic citation
Wheeler, S. 2004. "Petaurista leucogenys" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Petaurista_leucogenys.html
author
Shanna Wheeler, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
author
Phil Myers, Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
editor
Matthew Wund, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
original
visit source
partner site
Animal Diversity Web

Benefits

provided by Animal Diversity Web

Squirrels living in highly populated areas are rarely noticed by humans. However, in some areas they are considered a pest by local farmers.

Negative Impacts: crop pest

license
cc-by-nc-sa-3.0
copyright
The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
bibliographic citation
Wheeler, S. 2004. "Petaurista leucogenys" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Petaurista_leucogenys.html
author
Shanna Wheeler, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
author
Phil Myers, Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
editor
Matthew Wund, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
original
visit source
partner site
Animal Diversity Web

Benefits

provided by Animal Diversity Web

Giant flying squirrels are hunted for food.

Positive Impacts: food

license
cc-by-nc-sa-3.0
copyright
The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
bibliographic citation
Wheeler, S. 2004. "Petaurista leucogenys" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Petaurista_leucogenys.html
author
Shanna Wheeler, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
author
Phil Myers, Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
editor
Matthew Wund, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
original
visit source
partner site
Animal Diversity Web

Associations

provided by Animal Diversity Web

As with most squirrels, this species is a good seed disperser.

Ecosystem Impact: disperses seeds

Species Used as Host:

  • Information not found

Mutualist Species:

  • Information not found

Commensal/Parasitic Species:

  • Information not found
license
cc-by-nc-sa-3.0
copyright
The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
bibliographic citation
Wheeler, S. 2004. "Petaurista leucogenys" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Petaurista_leucogenys.html
author
Shanna Wheeler, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
author
Phil Myers, Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
editor
Matthew Wund, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
original
visit source
partner site
Animal Diversity Web

Trophic Strategy

provided by Animal Diversity Web

Japanese giant flying squirrels have unique foraging behaviors that allow them to feed from the skinniest of branches. They are able to extend their bodies to reach distant branches without shifting the position of their hind feet. This behavior allows them to maneuver around branches in search of food. They use their forepaws to grab onto skinny branches that would otherwise be off limits. They eat a variety of food items: seeds, leaves, conifers, buds, fruits, flowers and woody plant parts. Availability of food determines diet choice; from March to May they mainly feed on buds, young leaves and flowers. In June through the month of October, they eat seeds, mature leaves and fruit. During the winter months they eat buds and cones. Their main diet consists of leaves during periods when other food is absent. Feeding usually begins 35 minutes after sunset. There are two feeding peaks during the night, but the second feeding peak is the most active. Body size, nocturnal feeding pattern, and home range size seem to have an impact on the foliage eating habits of this species.

Plant Foods: leaves; roots and tubers; wood, bark, or stems; seeds, grains, and nuts; fruit; flowers

Foraging Behavior: stores or caches food

Primary Diet: herbivore (Folivore , Frugivore , Granivore , Lignivore)

license
cc-by-nc-sa-3.0
copyright
The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
bibliographic citation
Wheeler, S. 2004. "Petaurista leucogenys" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Petaurista_leucogenys.html
author
Shanna Wheeler, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
author
Phil Myers, Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
editor
Matthew Wund, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
original
visit source
partner site
Animal Diversity Web

Distribution

provided by Animal Diversity Web

Japanese giant flying squirrels are found in southern parts of Asia and Japan, including the islands of Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku in Japan. Many studies of this species have been carried out in Nara City, located in central Japan.

Biogeographic Regions: palearctic (Native ); oriental (Native )

license
cc-by-nc-sa-3.0
copyright
The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
bibliographic citation
Wheeler, S. 2004. "Petaurista leucogenys" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Petaurista_leucogenys.html
author
Shanna Wheeler, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
author
Phil Myers, Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
editor
Matthew Wund, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
original
visit source
partner site
Animal Diversity Web

Habitat

provided by Animal Diversity Web

This species inhabits areas of forests, hills and mountains. Forests include tropical and temperate with a mixture of tree species, such as deciduous and coniferous trees. They often inhabit forested areas around shrines and temples.

Range elevation: 98 to 150 m.

Habitat Regions: temperate ; tropical

Terrestrial Biomes: forest

Other Habitat Features: urban

license
cc-by-nc-sa-3.0
copyright
The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
bibliographic citation
Wheeler, S. 2004. "Petaurista leucogenys" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Petaurista_leucogenys.html
author
Shanna Wheeler, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
author
Phil Myers, Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
editor
Matthew Wund, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
original
visit source
partner site
Animal Diversity Web

Life Expectancy

provided by Animal Diversity Web

Information on the lifespan of this species was not found.

Average lifespan
Status: captivity:
19.2 years.

license
cc-by-nc-sa-3.0
copyright
The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
bibliographic citation
Wheeler, S. 2004. "Petaurista leucogenys" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Petaurista_leucogenys.html
author
Shanna Wheeler, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
author
Phil Myers, Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
editor
Matthew Wund, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
original
visit source
partner site
Animal Diversity Web

Morphology

provided by Animal Diversity Web

There are six species of giant flying squirrels, including the largest, Petaurista leucogenys. This species has long, soft fur ranging in color on its back from yellow-gray, brown, chestnut and black. The tail is usually longer than the body and is the color of the fur on the back. The ventral surface is yellow, buff, brown or white. A fur-covered membrane extends from the side of their body from the wrists to the ankles, which allows these squirrels to glide between trees. Flying squirrels generally have longer limbs than non-gliding squirrels. There are nine carpal bones in the wrist of this species, which has a special, long accessory styliform cartilage that supports the flying membrane while gliding. Japanese giant flying squirrels are the largest members of the family Sciuridae, weighing up to 1.3 kg. The skull is broad with distinct post-orbital processes and a short rostrum. The face is almost raccoon-like in color, with black bands around the eyes. Extending down from the ears on the side of the face are white bands of fur. The nose and lips are pink.

Range mass: 1,000 to 1,300 g.

Range length: 305 to 585 mm.

Other Physical Features: endothermic ; homoiothermic; bilateral symmetry

license
cc-by-nc-sa-3.0
copyright
The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
bibliographic citation
Wheeler, S. 2004. "Petaurista leucogenys" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Petaurista_leucogenys.html
author
Shanna Wheeler, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
author
Phil Myers, Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
editor
Matthew Wund, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
original
visit source
partner site
Animal Diversity Web

Associations

provided by Animal Diversity Web

The main threat to Japanese giant flying squirrels is humans.

Known Predators:

  • humans (Homo sapiens)
license
cc-by-nc-sa-3.0
copyright
The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
bibliographic citation
Wheeler, S. 2004. "Petaurista leucogenys" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Petaurista_leucogenys.html
author
Shanna Wheeler, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
author
Phil Myers, Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
editor
Matthew Wund, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
original
visit source
partner site
Animal Diversity Web

Reproduction

provided by Animal Diversity Web

Mating behaviors are not well known for this species, but they are thought to be strictly monogamous, breeding and nesting with only one other mate.

Mating System: monogamous

Japanese giant flying squirrels have two reproductive seasons annually; one is in the winter (mid-November to mid-January) and the other is in the summer (mid-May to mid-June). Gestation lasts for approximately 74 days. Because members of this species invest a great deal of energy in parental care, females give birth to only one or two offspring. In addition, breeding occurs twice yearly, resulting in up to four offspring in one year. Young Japanese giant flying squirrels are able to leave their nests at 59 or more days of age and begin foraging independently at 80 days of age. The young are sexually mature around 21 months and become independent at 12-18 months. However, female young disperse from their natal territories before they reach sexual maturity.

Because there are two breeding seasons, males born in the summer reach sexual maturity faster than males born in the spring. Spermatogenesis ceases in most males from July to August and from December to March, which is between the two mating seasons. The size of the testes regresses during these time periods.

Breeding interval: Japanese giant flying squirrels breed twice annually.

Breeding season: Breeding occurs in two seasons: winter (mid-November to mid-January) and summer (mid-May to mid-June).

Range number of offspring: 1 to 2.

Range gestation period: 74 to 74 days.

Range weaning age: 91 to 91 days.

Range time to independence: 12 to 18 months.

Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 21 to 22 months.

Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 21 to 22 months.

Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; viviparous

Average birth mass: 5 g.

It is not clear whether the male participates in raising young. Studies suggest that females allow their young to stay with them until they are sexually mature (1-1.5 years). After the young have emerged from their nest at 40 days, they begin following their mothers. Juveniles are able to glide a few days after their first emergence from their nests. Mothers return to their nests at night to feed the young. Whenever a juvenile falls from the nest, the mother returns them to the nest. The amount of care mothers invest in their offspring is believed to be associated with gliding, which takes coordination and muscle.

Parental Investment: pre-hatching/birth (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female); pre-weaning/fledging (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female); pre-independence (Protecting: Female)

license
cc-by-nc-sa-3.0
copyright
The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors
bibliographic citation
Wheeler, S. 2004. "Petaurista leucogenys" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed April 27, 2013 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Petaurista_leucogenys.html
author
Shanna Wheeler, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
author
Phil Myers, Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
editor
Matthew Wund, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
original
visit source
partner site
Animal Diversity Web

Japanese giant flying squirrel

provided by wikipedia EN

The Japanese giant flying squirrel (ムササビ, musasabi, Petaurista leucogenys) is a species of flying squirrel, one of the giant flying squirrels in the genus Petaurista.

Description

Like other flying squirrels, it has a web of skin between its legs which it uses to glide between trees. Glides of 160 metres have been recorded. The tail is used for stability during flight. The body is about 25–50 cm long, and the tail a further 30–40 cm. It weighs between 700 and 1500g. It is much larger than the related Japanese dwarf flying squirrel which does not exceed 220g. It eats fruit and nuts and lives in holes in large trees. The female has a home range of about a hectare and the male about two hectares.

Distribution and habitat

It is native to Japan, where it inhabits sub-alpine forests and boreal evergreen forests on the islands of Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu.

Reproduction

Sexual maturity is reached after about two years.[2] From winter to early summer the males compete for females. During mating, after ejaculation, the male produces a sticky protein called a coitus plug from his penis which becomes firm and blocks the female's vagina. This may stop semen from leaking out and heighten the chances of fertilization. It also prevents other males from mating with the same female. However males can use their penis to remove the coitus plug. Gestation lasts about 74 days and one or two young are born in early autumn.[3]

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Petaurista leucogenys.
Wikispecies has information related to Petaurista leucogenys.
  1. ^ Ishii, N. & Kaneko, Y. (2008). "Petaurista leucogenys". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2008. Retrieved 6 January 2009.old-form url
  2. ^ Kawamichi, Takeo. "The age of sexual maturity in Japanese giant flying squirrels, Petaurista leucogenys." Mammal Study 22.1+ 2 (1997): 81-87.
  3. ^ Kawamichi, Takeo. "Biannual reproductive cycles in the Japanese giant flying squirrel (Petaurista leucogenys)." Journal of Mammalogy 91.4 (2010): 905-913.
license
cc-by-sa-3.0
copyright
Wikipedia authors and editors
original
visit source
partner site
wikipedia EN

Japanese giant flying squirrel: Brief Summary

provided by wikipedia EN

The Japanese giant flying squirrel (ムササビ, musasabi, Petaurista leucogenys) is a species of flying squirrel, one of the giant flying squirrels in the genus Petaurista.

license
cc-by-sa-3.0
copyright
Wikipedia authors and editors
original
visit source
partner site
wikipedia EN