Squirrels of the World

Eupetaurus cinereus 91

data are needed to further document the status of this spe-
cies. Although numerous potential threats are reported
within its range (e.g., hunting for fur, the illegal pet trade,
timber harvesting), this species appears relatively secure.

general references: Molur 2008b; Nowak 1999; Oshida,

Shafi que, et al. 2004; Shafi que et al. 2006; R. W. Thorington,

Musante, et al. 1996.

Eupetaurus Thomas, 1888

This genus contains a single species.

Eupetaurus cinereus Thomas, 1888

Woolly Flying Squirrel

description: This is a large fl ying squirrel with a gray dor-
sal pelage. A dark chocolate brown pelage has also been
described.

size: Female—HB 419.1 mm; T 381.0 mm.
Sex not stated—HB 499.7 mm; T 406.4 mm.

distribution: E. cinereus is found at high elevations, from
northern Pakistan and Kashmir to Sikkim (India), to Tibet,
and possibly to Yunnan (China), although only the Pakistan
locations are fully confi rmed.

geographic variation: None.

conservation: IUCN status—data defi cient. Population

trend—no information.

habitat: The woolly fl ying squirrel resides on rock faces

and in caves, at elevations greater than 2000 m. The sur-

rounding forest cover is described as “high, cold desert domi-

nated by Artemisia and Juniperus” as well as Pinus (Zahler).

natural history: One of the largest of all sciurids, the

woolly fl ying squirrel is believed to be solitary, nocturnal,

and active throughout the year. Other behavioral observa-

tions suggest a slow-moving squirrel that spends most of its

time on cliff s and rock faces. Observations of glide events and

comparisons of glide statistics with other mammalian gliders

dismiss arguments that E. cinereus is too large for effi cient

gliding. The vocalizations of one mature female were de-

scribed as “soft grunts and a quiet chirr” (Zahler). Body parts

found near the roost of an Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo) implicate

this avian species as a predator of woolly fl ying squirrels.

Fecal analyses of four squirrels indicate a nearly exclusive

diet of pine needles, which probably explains its hypsodont

dentition—a characteristic not reported for any other sciurid.

Eupetaurus cinereus. Photo courtesy Peter Zahler.