Flying squirrels are nocturnal rodents known for their unique ability to glide through forest canopies. They navigate their arboreal homes using a specialized membrane, a furry flap of skin called a patagium, which extends from their wrists to their ankles. While they do not truly fly like birds or bats, their gliding allows them to travel efficiently between trees.
Global Overview of Flying Squirrel Habitats
Flying squirrels are found across diverse forested regions globally, primarily inhabiting temperate and tropical forests. While often associated with North America, their distribution extends significantly into Europe and Asia, home to a greater diversity of species. Over 50 species exist worldwide, with the vast majority found in Eurasia, especially Southeast Asia, contrasting with only a few species native to North America.
These global habitats range from moist evergreen broadleaf forests to coniferous and mixed forests, adapting to various arboreal environments. Notable Asian regions include India, Pakistan, Java, Taiwan, and parts of Borneo.
North American Species and Their Specific Ranges
North America is home to two primary species of flying squirrels: the Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans) and the Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus). The Southern Flying Squirrel has a broad distribution across the eastern half of North America, extending from southeastern Canada down to Florida and west to Minnesota and Texas. Disjunct populations of this species have also been documented in the highlands of Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. This species typically inhabits deciduous and mixed woods.
In contrast, the Northern Flying Squirrel generally occupies cooler, more coniferous, and mixed coniferous forests across much of Canada, from Alaska to Nova Scotia. Its range extends southward into the United States, reaching the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee in the east and as far west as Utah and northern California. While their ranges largely remain separate, some narrow regions of overlap occur, particularly in areas where northern populations are restricted to higher elevations at the southern edge of their distribution.
Preferred Habitats and Living Conditions
Within their broad geographical ranges, flying squirrels exhibit specific preferences for their living environments. They depend on mature forests that offer a well-developed canopy, which is essential for their gliding movements. These squirrels often seek out older-growth trees containing natural cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes, utilizing these spaces for nesting and shelter. These den sites provide protection from predators and the elements, and in colder months, multiple squirrels may huddle together for warmth.
Their diet influences their habitat choices, as they require a consistent food supply, including nuts, seeds, fungi, and insects. The presence of trees close enough to one another is also important, as this proximity facilitates their gliding, allowing them to move efficiently through the forest without descending to the ground, where they are more vulnerable. This reliance on specific forest structures and food sources underscores the importance of maintaining healthy, mature forest ecosystems for their survival.