Rare flying squirrels thriving in Ratanmahal, numbers on the rise

VADODARA: It was feared to be extinct at one stage and for over two decades its existence was questioned barring one spotting in 1994. But the large flying squirrel, which is being keenly followed for the last two years, seems to be flying high as a recent count in Ratanmahal forest reserve has revealed that 10 to 15 flying squirrels exist at Panam in the reserve alone.

Through the 1980s and 1990s it was feared that the squirrel had become extinct in Gujarat. Its regular sightings began from 2000 onwards when it was spotted in Ratanmahal and in 2004 at Kevdi forests in Chhota Udepur.

Encouraged by the regular spotting and identification of some tree hollows where the squirrel stayed, the officials at Ratanmahal decided to conduct an impromptu count of the flying squirrels there. Deputy conservator of forests at Devgadh Baria A C Jain said a team of forest officials and wildlife enthusiasts counted 10 to 15 squirrels in such hollows.

Jain said the count indicates a definite increase in the population of the species. "There are no chances of duplication as we had focused on the place where they stayed. This is an encouraging signal as it shows that the rare animal is multiplying and also that the health of the forest is good," he added.

The flying squirrel is a very sensitive, shy and nocturnal animal. Officials said if it was disturbed, it would not have thrived in the jungles. Jain said there was also increased awareness regarding the flying squirrel in the areas where it was being spotted. "People are following them keenly and at the same time not bothering them," he said.

The flying squirrel does not actually fly, but uses a membrane that stretches between its front and hind limbs, to glide through the air. Besides Ratanmahal and Kevdi, it has been spotted at Shoolpaneshwar wildlife sanctuary in Narmada district. The forest officials were disappointed when one of them died at Kevdi after falling from a height in 2011.