90 Eoglaucomys fi mbriatusEoglaucomys A. H. Howell, 1915
geographic variation: Two subspecies of Eoglaucomys
fi mbriatus are recognized, but there is a question about the
validity of E. f. baberi; its identity is based on dental charac-
teristics, which may be merely the milk dentition of the
animal.E. f. fi mbriatus—see description above.
E. f. baberi—this form is externally the same as E. f. fi mbria-
tus, and distinguished on the basis of dental characteris-
tics, as noted above.conservation: IUCN status—least concern. Population
trend—no information.habitat: This species is found in moist temperate conifer-
ous forests, usually at elevations between 1600 and 3600 m.natural history: The diet of E. fi mbriatus includes the
seeds of at least 22 conifer and deciduous tree species, stami-
nate cones, fruits, fl owers, buds, and shoots. Leaves, lichens,
moss, and bark are also consumed, but at a lower frequency.
This species is more granivorous and relies far less on leaves
than Petaurista petaurista, which is sometimes sympatric
and feeds in the same tree species. Two breeding seasons
per year are reported; litter sizes range from two to four.
Populations are predicted to be declining, but additionalThis genus contains a single species of squirrel. Previously
considered to be a subgenus of Hylopetes, Eoglaucomys was
recently determined to be a distinct clade, based on the
identifi cation of fi ve derived dental, skeletal, and muscular
characteristics.Eoglaucomys fi mbriatus (Gray, 1837)
Kashmir Flying Squirrel
description: This is a relatively large gray or brown fl ying
squirrel, with a round or half-round tail that is fl at on the
underside. The distal third to half of the tail is commonly
black. The feet are usually black. Melanistic individuals are
known.
size: Female—HB 290.2 mm; T 290.1 mm; Mass 560.1 g.
Male—HB 288.5 mm; T 289.0 mm; Mass 733.6 g.
Sex not stated—HB 271.0 mm.
distribution: The Kashmir fl ying squirrel is found in the
mountains of northeastern Afghanistan (in the provinces of
Badakshan and Nuristan); in northern Pakistan to northern
India (in the disputed areas of Jammu and Kashmir); and in
the states of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and
Uttar Pradesh (India).
Eoglaucomys fimbriatus. Photo courtesy Tatsuo Oshida.