Squirrels of the World

Hylopetes phayrei 101

conservation: IUCN status—near threatened. Population
trend—decreasing.

habitat: The Palawan fl ying squirrel is found at lower el-
evations in both primary and secondary forests. It appears
to withstand some degree of habitat disturbance, such as
selective logging, but more information is needed on its sus-
ceptibility to illegal logging and clearing for agriculture.

natural history: This nocturnal species appears to be
relatively common in older forests, possibly because of its
preferences for large mature trees with cavities. It is often
hunted for food and captured for the pet trade.

general references: Esselstyn et al. 2004; Ong et al.
2008; Thomas 1893; Timm and Birney 1980.

Hylopetes phayrei (Blyth, 1859)

Indochinese Flying Squirrel,

Phayre’s Flying Squirrel

description:This is the smallest fl ying squirrel in China.
It has a fl attened tail, a reddish brown dorsal pelage, white
cheeks, and a whitish ventral pelage with a faint yellow
wash.

size: Female—HB 158.3 mm; T 143.7 mm; Mass 113.4 g.

Male—HB 162.3 mm; T 146.7 mm.

Sex not stated—HB 170.8 mm; T 143.4 mm; Mass 171.0 g.

distribution: H. phayrei can be found in Myanmar, Thai-

land, Laos, Vietnam, and southern China (Hainan Island,

Guizhou, Guangxi, and Fujian).

geographic variation: Two subspecies are recognized.

H. p. phayrei—mainland China. See description above.

H. p. electilis—Hainan Island (China). The dorsal surface is a

uniform pale cinnamon.

Hylopetes phayrei. Photo courtesy Pitchaya and Rattapon

Kaichid.