Petaurista magnifi cus 115R. W. Thorington and Staff ord 2001; Thorington, Darrow,
and Anderson 1998; Wheeler and Myers 2004.
Petaurista magnifi cus (Hodgson, 1836)
Hodgson’s Giant Flying Squirrel
description: This large fl ying squirrel is readily distin-
guished from other species in the genus by the wide dark
brown or black dorsal stripe extending from the nose to the
base of the tail. This stripe contrasts signifi cantly with the
light yellowish brown pelage on the sides and legs, and with
the yellow shoulder patches. The anterior dorsal patagium
(“wing”) is reddish brown. The tail is dark at the base,
lighter and more reddish brown for most of its length, and
black at the tip. This species is often sympatric with P. ele-
gans, from which it can be distinguished by its larger size
(25%), its dorsal stripe (in contrast with the dorsal spots on
P. elegans), and the lighter pelage of its sides and tail.
size: Female—HB 442.5 mm; T 497.5 mm; Mass 1800.0 g.
Male—HB 382.3 mm; T 451.7 mm.
Sex not stated—HB 413.2 mm; T 480.0 mm.
distribution: This species’ range extends from Nepal
through Sikkim (India), Bhutan, southern Tibet, and west-
ern and northern Myanmar.
geographic variation: None.conservation: IUCN status—near threatened. Population
trend—decreasing.habitat: Hodgson’s giant fl ying squirrel is found in tropical
and subtropical evergreen and broadleaf deciduous forests,
such as oak (Quercus) forests. It occurs from lowland areas to
elevations of about 3000 m.natural history: Primarily herbivorous, Hodgson’s giant
fl ying squirrel feeds on grasses, buds, fl owers, and leaves. It
is nocturnal, and it tends to stay high in the trees. Little is
known about its population and ecology; in part this may be
due to its naturally low numbers. This species is reported to
produce small litters (~ 1 per litter), similar to other members
of the genus. It is also considered to be declining in many
parts of its range, because of an increasing loss of habitat
due to human development, fi re, the conversion of forests to
agriculture, and hunting pressure. This species is known for
its deep calls, which are given at the onset of activity around
sunset, when it can be observed gliding for distances of up
to 100 m.general references: Chabaud and Bain 1976; Chatterjee
and Majhi 1975; Chowattukunnel and Esslinger 1979; S. Das-
gupta et al. 1978; Fan and Jiang 2009; Hayssen 2008b; Lee
and Liao 1998; Lin et al. 1985; Mackerras 1962; R. M. Mitchell
1979; Molur 2008c; Muul et al. 1973; A. T. Smith and Xie 2008;
Spratt and Varughese 1975; Srinivasulu et al. 2004; R. W.
Thorington and Heaney 1981; Yamaguti 1941; Yorke and Ma-
ple stone 1926.Petaurista magnificus. Photo courtesy David Cahlander.