Southern Flying Squirrel: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Squirrels and Marmots · day 7 of 7

Five facts

1. Before leaping, it often leans out and sways from side to side. Scientists think it is working out how far away its landing spot is.
2. In the air it can make 90-degree turns around obstacles. To land, it flicks its flat tail up and uses its skin flaps like a parachute.
3. Graceful in the air, it is a very clumsy walker. Caught on the ground by danger, it would rather hide than try to run away.
4. As it gets colder, they squeeze together in shared dens. Huddling saves them 30% more energy than nesting alone in winter.
5. It has a strong homing sense. Moved up to a kilometre from its nest, it can find its way back.

The quiz

1. Why does it sway from side to side before jumping?

• To dry its fur
• To scare away owls
• To warm up its muscles
• To judge the distance to its landing spot (correct)

It is thought to be estimating how far away the landing area is.

2. What does it do with its tail just before landing?

• Wraps it around a branch
• Raises it to swing upward (correct)
• Hides it under its belly
• Nothing, it keeps it still

Raising its flat tail tips it upward, and its membrane slows it like a parachute.

3. What does it do if danger appears while it is on the ground?

• It hides (correct)
• It fights back
• It runs very fast
• It plays dead

It is clumsy on foot, so it prefers to hide rather than try to escape.

4. How much extra energy can huddling squirrels save in winter?

• None at all
• 3%
• 30% (correct)
• 300%

Squirrels in groups save 30 percent more energy than those nesting alone.

5. From how far away can it find its way back to its nest?

• Up to a kilometre (correct)
• Only 1 metre
• Only 10 metres
• It never finds it again

It has strong homing skills and returns from up to a kilometre away.

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