Namdapha flying squirrel

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Namdapha flying squirrel
File:Namdapha flying squirrel.jpg
Scientific classification
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B. biswasi
Binomial name
Biswamoyopterus biswasi
Saha, 1981[2]

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The Namdapha flying squirrel (Biswamoyopterus biswasi) is an arboreal, nocturnal flying squirrel endemic to India. It was the sole member in the genus Biswamoyopterus until the description of the Laotian giant flying squirrel (Biswamoyopterus laoensis) in 2013.[3] First collected in Deban (on 27 April 1981), no population estimates are available for B. biswasi, but the known habitat is tall Mesua ferrea jungles, often on hill slopes in the catchment area of Na Dihing river (particularly on the western slope of Patkai range) in North eastern India .[4][5]

Description

B. biswasi has reddish, grizzled fur with white above. Its crown is pale grey, its patagium is orangish and its underparts are white.[4][5]

The cheek teeth of B. biswasi are simple, and its incisors are unpigmented. Septae are multiple in auditory bullae and sometimes honeycomb-shaped with 10 to 12 cells in it.[4][5]

It measures 40.5 cm from head to vent and has 60 cm long tail. The hindfoot is 7.8 cm and the ear is 4.6 cm.[4][5]

The scientific name commemorates Biswamoy Biswas (1923–1994).

Threats

It is listed as a critically endangered species due to habitat loss.[1] In addition it is hunted for food, and skins/fur.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Molur, S. (2008). Biswamoyopterus biswasi. In: IUCN 2008. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved 6 January 2009.
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