Japanese Giant Flying Squirrelムササビ
Petaurista leucogenysLC— Least Concern
The Japanese giant flying squirrel (Petaurista leucogenys) is a large, nocturnal gliding rodent endemic to Japan's forests on Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Using a skin membrane stretched between its limbs, it can glide more than 120 meters between trees at speeds up to 16 m/s. A strict herbivore that never forages on the ground, it feeds on leaves, buds, and fruit and is classified as Least Concern.
Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel (reference photo)
Species Data
Did You Know?
- It can glide over 120 meters at speeds up to 16 m/s, using a cartilage spur at the wrist to expand its gliding membrane for greater distance. Source
- Its gliding membrane extends not only between the fore and hind limbs but also from the neck and to the tail, forming a full-body gliding surface. Source
- During mating, males form a 'copulatory plug' inside females, thought to prevent semen leakage and deter rival males. Source
Where to See This Species
6 facilities · 0 individuals
京都市動物園 (Kyoutoshi Doubutsuen)KyotoOpened in 1903
京都市動物園のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source
桐生が岡動物園 (Kiryuugaoka Doubutsuen)Gunma自動車の場合、カーナビ検索は「桐生が岡動物園」ではなく「桐生が岡遊園地」で設定すると駐車場に到着できる（動物園名で検索すると誤った経路になる場合がある）。
桐生が岡動物園のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source
Hirakawa ZooKagoshimaJR指宿枕崎線「五位野駅」から徒歩約20分、またはバスで「福平農協前」から「谷山・動物園行き」に乗車し終点下車。
鹿児島市平川動物公園のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source
長野市茶臼山動物園 (Naganoshichausuyama Doubutsuen)NaganoJR篠ノ井駅が最寄り駅。
長野市茶臼山動物園のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source
富山市ファミリーパーク (Toyamashifamiri Park)ToyamaOpened in 1984
富山市ファミリーパークのWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source
Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical GardensAichiOpened in 1937
名古屋市東山動物園のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source
Source links to official sites, official YouTube channels, and news aggregators such as Zoo Ring. Visit the publisher for the full item.
Conservation Story
Conservation Status
IUCNではLCに分類されていますが、森林の分断は樹上生活を送る個体に影響します。
Habitat
本州、四国、九州の森林で、大木の樹洞などを利用します。
Threats
- 森林の伐採と分断
- 大木や樹洞の減少
Conservation & Breeding Efforts
- 連続した森林環境の保全
- 巣箱の設置と生態の普及
Sources
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FAQ
- How far can a Japanese giant flying squirrel glide?
- It can glide over 120 meters in a single leap, reaching speeds of up to 16 meters per second. Source
- Does it ever come down to the ground?
- No. It is a strict arboreal forager, feeding entirely on leaves, seeds, and fruit found in the tree canopy. Source
Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org