A small flying squirrel — smaller than northern counterpart. Strictly nocturnal; rarely seen but locally common.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
The southern flying squirrel, sometimes called the assapan, is a species of squirrel in the family Sciuridae. G. volans is one of three species of flying squirrels found in North America. It is found in deciduous and mixed woods in the eastern half of North America, from southeastern Canada to Florida. Disjunct populations of this species have been recorded in the highlands of Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. There are 11 subspecies that are recognized as being valid, including the nominotypical subspecies.
Source: Wikipedia — Southern flying squirrel Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Small flying squirrel; pale gray-brown back; white belly; large dark eyes; flat tail.
Similar species. Northern Flying Squirrel (larger).
Voice. Chirps.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Acorns, nuts, fungi, insects, occasional bird eggs.
Behavior. Strictly nocturnal. Glides between trees up to 60+ m.
§ Range
Eastern North America
§ Habitat
Mature deciduous forests
§ Threats
Forest fragmentation, deer overbrowsing reducing acorn supply.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the southern flying squirrel is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Support mature forest conservation.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Southern flying squirrel
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Glaucomys volans
- IUCN Red List · taxon 9494
- iNaturalist · taxon 46015
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Glaucomys volans
§ Sources cited
- American Society of Mammalogists
- IUCN Red List 2016
