Pteromys momonga, Temminck, 1844

Don E. Wilson, Thomas E. Lacher, Jr & Russell A. Mittermeier, 2016, Sciuridae, Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 6 Lagomorphs and Rodents I, Barcelona: Lynx Edicions, pp. 648-837 : 777

154.

Japanese Flying Squirrel

Pteromys momonga

French: Polatouche du Japon / German: Japan-Gleithdrnchen / Spanish: Ardilla voladora de Japon

Other common names: Small Japanese Flying Squirrel

Taxonomy. Pteromys momonga Temminck, 1844 ,

“Kyushu, Japan.”

Molecular analyses (based on mitochon-

drial cytochrome-b gene) of several genera of flying squirrels suggest that the genus Pteromys is most closely related to Petaurista. Monotypic.

Distribution. Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, Japan.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 140-200 mm, tail 95-140 mm; weight mean 151-8 g. The Japanese Flying Squirrel is ¢.15% ofthe size of the Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaurista leucogenys) and 25% larger than the Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus). Its dorsum is light brown or grayish brown; belly and ventral surface of patagium are white. Head is robust and rounded anteriorly. There is a prominent tuft of long hairs at end of each toe on hindfeet. Tail is more blackish than rest of body.

Habitat. Montane coniferous forests,just below tree line. The Japanese Flying Squirrel often occupies nest cavities and will inhabit artificial nest boxes readily. Tree bark is used for nest construction.

Food and Feeding. The Japanese Flying Squirrel eats mainly seeds, nuts,fruits, leaves, buds, bark, and fungus.

Breeding. The Japanese Flying Squirrel may breed twice a year. Gestation is c¢.4 weeks. Litters are generally 2-3 young. Young are weaned after c.6 weeks.

Activity patterns. Japanese Flying Squirrels are nocturnal and arboreal. During the day, they can be found in their nests or tree holes. They emerge at dusk, moving quickly about the treetops.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. Several Japanese Flying Squirrels can be found grouped together on a single tree; however, outside the breeding season, they tend to be of the same sex.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. Current population trend of the Japanese Flying Squirrel is unknown. It is locally common and generally widespread within its distribution. Although its distribution is limited,it is found in several protected areas and is not considered threatened by human activity. Threats in local areas could include habitat fragmentation, isolating populations and leading to inbreeding depression.

Bibliography. Ando (2005), Hayssen (2008a), Ishii & Kaneko (2008b), Jackson (2012), Jackson & Thorington (2012), Lee Peifen & Liao Chienyu (1998), Letcher et al. (1994), Millien-Parra & Jaeger (1999), Oshida & Yoshida (1999), Oshida, Hiraga et al. (2000), Thorington et al. (2012).

Figures

148. Spotted Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaurisia elegans), 149. Yunnan Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaurista yunanensis), 150. Taiwan Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaurista lena), 151. Hainan Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaurista hainana), 152. Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaurista leucogenys), 153. Siberian Flying Squirrel (Pteromys volans), 154. Japanese Flying Squirrel (Pteromys momonga), 155. Woolly Flying Squirrel (Eupetaurus cinereus), 156. Black Flying Squirrel (Aeromys tephromelas), 157. Thomas's Flying Squirrel (Aeromys thomasi), 158. Smoky Flying Squirrel (Pteromyscus pulverulentus), 159. Hairy-footed Flying Squirrel (Belomys pearsonii), 160. Northern Chinese Flying Squirrel (Aeretes melanoplerus), 161. Complex-toothed Flying Squirrel (Trogopterus xanthipes), 162. Long-clawed Ground Squirrel (Spermophilopsis leptodactyla), 163. Barbary Ground Squirrel (Atlantoxerus getulus), 164. Striped Ground Squirrel (Euxerus erythropus), 165. Unstriped Ground Squirrel (Xerus rutilus), 166. Damara Ground Squirrel (Geosciurus princeps), 167. South African Ground Squirrel (Geosciurus inauris), 168. Pere David’s Rock Squirrel (Sciurotamias davidianus), 169. Forrest's Rock Squirrel (Sciurotamias forresti), 170. Siberian Chipmunk (Tamias sibiricus), 171. Least Chipmunk (Tamias minimus), 172. Yellow-pine Chipmunk (Tamas amoenus), 173. Townsend’s Chipmunk (Tamias townsendii), 174. Red-tailed Chipmunk (Tamias ruficaudus), 175. Shadow Chipmunk (Tamias senex), 176. Uinta Chipmunk (Tamias umbrinus)