Ecological Activities and Gliding Behavior and Conservation Strategies of Flying Squirrels in Sitamata Sanctuary

jayati patidar

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i01.67596

Ecological Activities and Gliding Behavior and Conservation Strategies of Flying Squirrels in Sitamata Sanctuary

Author(s)	mrs jayati patidar
Country	India
Abstract	Research on the Indian Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaurista philippensis) in the Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan shows that, although this species is classified as "Least Concern" globally, it is facing local threats. The squirrels rely heavily on the deciduous forests of the sanctuary, especially the Madhuca longifolia (Mahua) tree, for both food and shelter. Studies by Koli et al. reveal that these squirrels are nocturnal and tree-dwelling, and to escape the intense summer heat, they sleep in tree cavities during the day. They also occasionally bask in the sun during winter. Ecological Activities Feeding Habits. The squirrels mainly eat plants, and their diet consists mostly of the pith of the Madhuca longifolia tree, which forms 31-78% of their yearly food intake. they also eat the bark, flowers, fruits, and buds of over 20 plant species such as Terminalia bellirica and Activity Budget: Research shows they are most active during the early part of the night, particularly between 7:30 PM and 11:30 PM, and have a second smaller activity peak later at night. About 45.85% of their time is spent resting. Habitat Selection These squirrels prefer areas with tall, old, and thick tree cover, especially those with large trees that have hollows in the mid-canopy for nesting. Reproduction: Breeding takes place in tree hollows, usually starting in early summer, from January to February. Gliding Behavior Gliding Mechanics: The squirrels glide between trees using a skin membrane called a patagium. They prefer short glides rather than long ones to move through their habitat. Glide Parameters Observations of 1,203 glides show an average glide ratio of 2.32, which is higher than some other species but lower than others. The average horizontal distance covered during glides was 16.28 meters, while the air distance was 20.08 meters. Seasonal Variation: Gliding activity is more frequent in the summer, which might be linked to increased foraging and breeding activities.These people keep the bones, hair, and Skeletons of dead squirrels in their homes. Some even cut the bones into pieces and tie them around the necks of weak children to increase their weight. The flying squirrel has also been greatly affected by highways running through the forest. For the survival and protection of this species in Rajasthan, efforts should be made to stop the cutting of Mahua, Bahera and Kadamba trees. Sita Mata Sanctuary was once considered for relocating some lions, but the availability of prey was considered too low. Also, the area was too close to humans. The sanctuary also has ancient places like the Valmiki Ashram (the birthplace of Luv and Kush, the twin sons of Sita and Lord Rama), the Hanuman and Sitamata temples, and other sites of historical and mythical importance. Another interesting place in the sanctuary, 5 km from Tikhi Magri, is Lakhiya Bhata, where drawings of prehistoric animals are carved on rocks. A fair is held at the Sita Mata temple in the sanctuary every July. the Aravalli hills as our jeep drove along a narrow dirt road toward the Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary. Habitat Protection: The survival of the species depends on protecting old Mahua trees, as they are vital for food and shelter. Mitigation of Threats: The population is declining due to habitat loss caused by logging, road construction, and agricultural expansion. Community Involvement: Educating local tribal communities, such as the Bhils, about the ecological role of the species is important to reduce hunting, as they sometimes use the squirrel's bones or hair for traditional medicine. Population Management: Creating habitat corridors between isolated and scattered populations inside the sanctuary has been suggested as a way to improve their chances of survival. in Sitamata the Indian Giant Flying Squirrel is mostly found in dense forest areas like the Arampura forest within the sanctuary. However, they are facing challenges due to increasing human settlements, road construction (such as NH 76), and, notably, local hunting, which has led to their
Keywords	Keywords: Flying squirrels, biomechanics gliding, jumping, Glaucomys sabrinus,
Field	Biology > Zoology
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 1, January-February 2026
Published On	2026-01-29
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i01.67596

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Ecological Activities and Gliding Behavior and Conservation Strategies of Flying Squirrels in Sitamata Sanctuary

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