Mammals
Siberian Flying Squirrel
Pteromys volans · also called Siberian flying squirrels
Launching silently from a tall old-growth tree, a Siberian flying squirrel glides across a moonlit forest gap on a furred membrane stretched between its legs, dependent on the very kind of ancient, cavity-rich forest that has become increasingly rare across parts of its European range.
Overview
The Siberian flying squirrel, Pteromys volans, is a nocturnal, gliding rodent native to forest habitat across a broad range spanning parts of northern and eastern Europe and much of Siberia. Its silent gliding ability, deep dependence on old-growth forest cavity trees, and regional decline tied to logging make it one of the more conservation-sensitive and specialised gliding mammals found anywhere across northern Eurasia.
A glider tied to ancient trees
Unlike more adaptable forest species, the Siberian flying squirrel cannot simply move into younger, managed woodland, its entire denning strategy built around the large natural cavities that only genuinely old, undisturbed trees can provide.
Status
Near Threatened, having declined across parts of northern and eastern Europe due to the loss of old-growth forest and its large cavity-bearing trees, despite remaining more secure across much of Siberia.
Siberian Flying Squirrel: common questions
How does the Siberian flying squirrel glide?
This species has a furred membrane of skin stretched between its front and hind legs, allowing it to glide silently between trees rather than achieve powered flight, using its long tail to help steer and control the glide before landing on another tree trunk.
Why does the Siberian flying squirrel need old-growth forest?
This species relies heavily on large, mature trees containing natural cavities suitable for denning, meaning continuous old-growth forest cover is essential to its survival, since younger, more uniform managed forest generally lacks the large cavity trees it needs.
Why has the Siberian flying squirrel declined in parts of Europe?
This species has declined across parts of northern and eastern Europe due to the loss of old-growth forest through logging, a habitat change that removes the large cavity trees it depends on for denning even where general forest cover otherwise remains intact.
Is the Siberian flying squirrel active during the day?
No, this species is largely solitary and nocturnal, foraging and gliding alone through the forest canopy after dark, relying on its large, dark eyes to navigate and judge distance accurately while gliding at night.