Smoky Flying Squirrel Pteromyscus pulverulentus

Smoky Flying Squirrel Pteromyscus pulverulentus

Endangered

Location: Found in tropical forests across Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, Sumatra, and southern Thailand.

The Smoky Flying Squirrel Pteromyscus pulverulentus is a rare and elusive creature silently and gracefully gliding between the towering canopies of Southeast Asia’s rainforests. With their smoky-grey fur, expansive gliding membrane, and bushy tail, these squirrels are perfectly adapted to a dynamic life on the move in the treetops.

Classified as Endangered by the IUCN, their populations are dwindling and at a critical all time low due to habitat destruction from timber logging, palm oil plantations, and agricultural expansion. This fleet footed nocturnal marvel symbolises the fragile ecosystems of Southeast Asia. Protect them by boycotting palm oil and fighting deforestation. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

This species is likely to be affected by habitat degradation from palm oil plantations because of their low elevational range.

IUCN RED LIST

Appearance and Behaviour

The Smoky Flying Squirrel is a small, arboreal mammal with a head-body length of approximately 20 cm and a tail length of around 18–20 cm. Their distinctive smoky-grey fur and lighter underbelly provide excellent camouflage in the forest canopy. Their large, round eyes are well-adapted for nocturnal activity, allowing them to forage under the cover of darkness.

Equipped with a gliding membrane, known as the patagium, they can glide distances of up to 60 metres between trees. They are shy, nocturnal creatures, emerging at night to feed and moving silently through the treetops to avoid predators.

Threats

IUCN Status: Endangered

Habitat loss from palm oil and timber

The primary threat to the Smoky Flying Squirrel is the rapid loss of Southeast Asia’s lowland and montane forests. Deforestation for logging, palm oil plantations, and agricultural land continues to fragment their habitat, isolating populations and reducing genetic diversity.

Climate Change:

Climate change-driven altered rainfall patterns and increasing temperatures threaten the delicate balance of their forest ecosystems, reducing food availability and increasing competition with other arboreal species.

Hunting and the illegal wildlife trade:

While not a primary target, these squirrels are occasionally captured and sold as exotic pets or consumed as bushmeat in some areas.

Pollution run-off from palm oil plantations

Agricultural run-off and pollution in rivers is another emerging threat to these squirrels.

Diet

The Smoky Flying Squirrel’s diet consists primarily of fruits, seeds, and leaves, with occasional foraging on tree bark. Their nocturnal feeding habits help them avoid competition with diurnal species. Seasonal changes in fruiting patterns influence their diet, forcing them to adapt to varying food availability.

Reproduction and Mating

Very little is known about the reproductive habits of the Smoky Flying Squirrel. Peak breeding occurs between April to June but this species does breed throughout the year, producing one or two young. As with other flying squirrels, they are believed to nest in tree hollows or dense vegetation. Nest holes were recorded which were three to four metres above the ground in trees. Females have an average pregnancy rate of 9% over a three-year period. Young squirrels rely heavily on their parents during the initial months, learning gliding and foraging skills essential for survival in the forest canopy.

Geographic Range

These remarkable airborne squirrels prefer primary tropical rainforests below 300 metres above sea level in Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, Sumatra, and southern Thailand. Their populations are closely tied to undisturbed forests, and they are rarely observed in degraded or fragmented habitats. While historical records mention sightings in Vietnam, these are unconfirmed.

FAQ

What is the Smoky Flying Squirrel’s conservation status?

The Smoky Flying Squirrel is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Habitat destruction is the primary reason for their decline, with populations decreasing across their range.

How far can Smoky Flying Squirrels glide?

Using their patagium, Smoky Flying Squirrels can glide distances of up to 60 metres, enabling them to move between trees efficiently and evade predators in the canopy.

Where do Smoky Flying Squirrels live?

These squirrels are found in tropical forests across Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo, and southern Thailand. They prefer undisturbed primary forests but can sometimes be found in secondary forests with dense tree cover.

What do Smoky Flying Squirrels eat?

Their diet mainly consists of fruits, seeds, and leaves, but they also forage on tree bark. Seasonal fruiting cycles significantly impact their feeding habits, making intact forests essential for their survival.

What are the main threats to Smoky Flying Squirrels?

Pollution of waterways from oil palm run offs was also identified as a key threatening factor by Lim and Das (1999) in Malaysia. 

IUCN Red list

Habitat loss due to deforestation for palm oil plantations, agricultural expansion, pollution run-off from palm oil plantations and logging are the biggest threat to Smoky Flying Squirrels. Climate change and occasional hunting are also contributing to their decline.

Take Action!

The Smoky Flying Squirrel is critically important animal in Southeast Asia’s rainforest ecosystems, playing a role in seed dispersal and maintaining forest health. Protect their habitat by advocating for indigenous-led conservation efforts and boycotting products linked to deforestation. Use your wallet as a weapon and #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife.

Support the conservation of this species

This animal has no protections in place. Read about other forgotten species here. Create art to support this forgotten animal or raise awareness about them by sharing this post and using the #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife hashtags on social media. Also you can boycott palm oil in the supermarket.

Further Information

Clayton, E. 2016. Pteromyscus pulverulentus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T18703A22245307. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T18703A22245307.en. Downloaded on 04 February 2021.

Clayton, E. (2016). Pteromyscus pulverulentus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T18703A22245307. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T18703A22245307.en

GBIF. (n.d.). Pteromyscus pulverulentus. https://www.gbif.org/species/2437227

Mongabay. (2021). In the Borneo canopy: Life thrives in surprising ways, camera-trap study shows. https://news.mongabay.com/2021/08/in-the-borneo-canopy-life-thrives-in-surprising-ways-camera-trap-study-shows/

Myym. (n.d.). Smoky Flying Squirrel. https://www.myym.ru/species/58.html

Plazi. (n.d.). Smoky Flying Squirrel (Pteromyscus pulverulentus). http://treatment.plazi.org/id/FFA16D59D9EF7276878E085F792C3608/3

Thai National Parks. (n.d.). Smoky Flying Squirrel. https://www.thainationalparks.com/species/smoky-flying-squirrel

Caption: This beautiful painting is by My YM

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