The Red Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaurista petaurista) is a fascinating member of the rodent family known for its impressive gliding ability. This species boasts a rich, reddish-brown fur coat coupled with a distinctive greyish underbelly. An average adult can reach a body length of 25 to 45 cm (10 to 18 inches) with an equally long tail, which aids in balance during flight. These squirrels are equipped with a patagium, a membrane of skin stretching from their wrists to their ankles, allowing them to glide seamlessly between trees. Their large, expressive eyes enhance their night vision, making them proficient nocturnal navigators.
Borneo Island, one of the largest and most biodiverse islands, serves as a primary habitat for the Red Giant Flying Squirrel. Borneo's tropical rainforests, which are some of the oldest in the world, provide a lush haven filled with towering trees, dense vegetation, and a complex ecosystem. These squirrels are arboreal, meaning they live predominantly in trees, rarely descending to the forest floor. They prefer high-canopy forests, which offer ample opportunities for gliding, foraging, and avoiding dangers. The dipterocarp forests, characterized by towering dipterocarp trees, are particularly favored by these squirrels for their rich food sources and extensive vertical space.
Despite being agile gliders, Red Giant Flying Squirrels are not immune to predation. In Borneo, they face threats from both terrestrial and aerial predators. The Clouded Leopard, a formidable carnivore with excellent climbing and hunting skills, is one of their most significant predators. Additionally, large birds of prey such as eagles and owls pose a threat, especially to the young and inexperienced squirrels. These birds' keen eyesight and powerful talons make them efficient hunters of gliding squirrels. To evade these predators, Red Giant Flying Squirrels rely heavily on their nocturnal habits, superior gliding abilities, and the forest's dense cover.
The Red Giant Flying Squirrel has a diverse and primarily herbivorous diet that contributes to the ecological balance of Borneo's forests. Their diet includes a wide range of fruits, nuts, leaves, flowers, and buds. Figs, which are abundant in Borneo, are a particular favorite. These squirrels also play a crucial role in seed dispersal, contributing to forest regeneration. Occasionally, they may consume small insects or other protein sources, though this constitutes a minor part of their diet. Their foraging habits typically occur during the night, taking advantage of their strong nocturnal vision to locate food silently and efficiently.