Description
The exceedingly tiny and fluffy Japanese dwarf flying squirrel is a squirrel. One of the two Old World flying squirrel species, it is an endemic to Japan. One of the cutest and loveliest rodents ever is this one! Contrary to its common moniker, this unusual squirrel cannot fly. Instead, a membrane that extends from its forelimbs to its hind limbs and is covered in fur is used to glide. With its capacity to glide for up to 100 metres at a time, the Japanese dwarf flying squirrel can navigate between trees and avoid predators.
Habitat
This species is indigenous to Japan, where it can be found on the Honshu and Kyushu islands in sub-alpine and boreal evergreen woods.
Behavior
The Japanese flying squirrel is a totally nocturnal animal that spends the daytime in its nest or in a tree hole, emerging from its hiding place only at dusk. To avoid potential predators, these rodents glide silently and swiftly among the tops of trees. Japanese flying squirrels rarely descend to the ground and are primarily arboreal. With the exception of the mating season, when they congregate in mixed groups, many members of the same sex can share the same tree. Japanese flying squirrels are active all year round and do not hibernate.
In the winter, they are known to temporarily hibernate for a few days at a time. Although these animals are thought to use vocalizations, such as chattering sounds, little is known about their communication patterns and behavior. Additionally, it is common for mothers and their newborn offspring to share nests, indicating that mothers and their children interact through specific forms of tactile communication.
As Pet
They generally feed upon buds, pine seeds, nuts, fruits, and tree bark, supplementing this diet with occasional insects. Japanese dwarf flying squirrels can be lovely pets. They can bond easily with humans.
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