Woolly Flying Squirrel
Shimla, April 6: A thrilling new discovery has been made in Himachal Pradesh’s Miyar Valley, where the elusive Woolly Flying Squirrel (Eupetaurus cinereus) was spotted for the first time. This rare sighting was captured through a camera trap, marking a significant milestone for wildlife enthusiasts and scientists alike. The Woolly Flying Squirrel, once thought to be extinct for nearly seventy years, was photographed during a survey conducted by the Wildlife Division of the Forest Department in the Lahaul and Spiti district.
The remarkable discovery occurred between October 10 and December 4, 2024, as part of the ‘Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI)’ protocol. A total of 62 camera traps were set up in the Miyar Valley, and it was during this survey that the Woolly Flying Squirrel made its rare appearance. Historically, this species was last sighted in 1994 in Pakistan’s Northern Areas, but for nearly seven decades, it was considered extinct.
A spokesperson from the Forest Department shared that this sighting is of immense significance, as it not only confirms the presence of this critically endangered species in Himachal Pradesh but also adds to the state’s growing list of diverse mammalian species. The Woolly Flying Squirrel, which was first scientifically described in the 19th century, has long been a subject of mystery and conservation efforts due to its rarity.
The camera trap survey was carried out with the collaboration of the Himachal Forest Department and the Mysore-based Natural Conservation Foundation (NCF). Local youth from Kibber village in Spiti, along with a dedicated conservation worker from Lahaul, helped set up the camera traps. These volunteers have been actively engaged in conservation work in the Himalayan region since 2010, contributing significantly to wildlife studies in the area.
In addition to the Woolly Flying Squirrel, the camera traps also captured images of other important wildlife species, including the snow leopard, red fox, Himalayan wolf, and mongoose. All of these animals are found in the mountainous ecosystems of the region, particularly in areas just above the tree line, which are believed to be the natural habitat of the squirrel.
This historic discovery not only highlights the biodiversity richness of the Miyar Valley but also underscores the urgent need for continued conservation efforts in the Himalayan ecosystem. The Forest Department is hopeful that this breakthrough will guide future wildlife protection strategies and encourage further study of the region’s unique species.
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