Rediscovery’ of endangered Namdapha Flying Squirrel

PWOnlyIAS

December 22, 2023

Context: Missing for 42 years, the Namdapha flying squirrel resurfaces in Arunachal Pradesh.

Namdapha Flying Squirrel

  • The Namdapha flying squirrel was last described in 1981 based on a single individual found in the Namdapha Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh. 

About Namdapha Flying Squirrel

  • Namdapha Flying Squirrel: It is an arboreal, nocturnal flying squirrel endemic to Arunachal Pradesh. 
    • As the Namdapha flying squirrel has rarely been recorded, there is little information available regarding its biology or ecology, but it is likely to be similar to other flying squirrels. 
  • Scientific Name: Biswamoyopterus Biswasi.
  • Population and Habitat: No population estimate is available for B. biswasi, but the known habitat is tall Mesua ferrea jungles, often located on hill slopes. 
  • IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered.
  • Threats: Threatened by habitat loss and degradation caused by shifting agriculture, extraction of non-timber forest products, etc.
  • About Flying Squirrels: All flying squirrels are nocturnal, possibly because their gliding membrane hinders their movement, and thus darkness gives them extra protection from predatory birds
    • The membrane does allow an effective escape from flightless tree predators
Namdapha National Park

  • It is the largest protected area in the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot.
  • Location: Lies in the international border between India and Myanmar within Changlang District in the state of Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Fauna: It is the only park in the World to have the four Feline species of big cat, namely the Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard and Clouded Leopard.
  • Other Fauna: Namdapha flying squirrel, Asian elephants and several lesser cats.
  • Climate: It varies from tropical to sub-tropical temperate andp; arctic.
  • Flora: Pinus merkusi and Abies delavavi, the Blue VandaMishimi Teeta. 


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News Source: TH

 

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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