124 Petinomys fuscocapillusdistribution: This species is found in the Western Ghats
of southern India and in the central and southern regions of
the island of Sri Lanka. It is endemic to these areas, where
its distribution is rather extensive but highly fragmented.
Suitable habitat across the range is declining.
geographic variation: None.
conservation: IUCN status—near threatened, but close to
vulnerable. Population trend—decreasing.
habitat: The Travancore fl ying squirrel occupies a variety
of deciduous and evergreen forests and is often found in
mountainous areas. It has also been observed feeding in
plantations. This species is reasonably tolerant of distur-
bance, and in one study it showed higher densities in smaller
forest fragments. It is sometimes found near villages.
natural history: This solitary species nests in tree hol-
lows and appears to spend most of its time in the canopy.
Little information is available on its ecology, behavior, and
population biology. Even where it exists, this species seems
to occur in low numbers. Distribution maps may be mis-
leading, because the areas it occupies are actually quite frag-
mented. Its primary threats come from habitat loss due to
timbering, agriculture, and human development.
general references: Molur et al. 2005; Rajamani et al.
2008b; R. W. Thorington, Musante, et al. 1996; R. W. Thoring-
ton, Pitassy, et al. 2002; R. W. Thorington, Schennum, et al.
2005; Umapathy and Kumar 2000.
Petinomys genibarbis (Horsfi eld, 1822)
Whiskered Flying Squirreldescription: This is a medium-sized fl ying squirrel, chest-
nut colored on the shoulders, more orange on the rump, and
more gray brown on the tail. The crown and shoulders are
grayer on some animals. The gliding membrane is darker
brown. The ventral surface varies from white or cream col-
ored on the chin to more salmon colored on the abdomen
and the hind legs, and particularly on the wing tips. P. sa-
gitta should perhaps be included within this species.size: Female—HB 179.8 mm; T 192.5 mm; Mass 108.8 g.
Male—HB 157.3 mm; T 172.5 mm; Mass 69.5 g.
Sex not stated—HB 175.9 mm; T 171.4 mm.distribution: The whiskered fl ying squirrel’s range in-
cludes peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak, and Sabah (Malaysia);
Brunei Darussalam; and Kalimantan, Java, and Sumatra
(Indonesia).geographic variation: None.conservation: IUCN status—vulnerable. Population
trend—decreasing.habitat: The whiskered fl ying squirrel is found in older and
secondary lowland forests, as well as adjacent plantations.Petinomys fuscocapillus. Photo courtesy Kalyan Varma.