Red and White Giant Flying Squirrel

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Quick Facts

Lifespan

Up to 21 years

under human care

Diet

Acorns

other nuts, fruits, leafy vegetation, insects and larvae

Habitat

Dense montane forest

and limestone cliffs at 800 to 3,500 metres above sea level

Range

Central and southern China

as well as Taiwan

The red and white giant flying squirrels

Impressive gliders

_{The flying squirrel can glide across the length of five football fields. When gliding, it stretches its limbs to spread out its gliding membrane, a skin flap that extends from wrist to ankle and contains sheets of muscles.}

_{To control glide direction and speed, the flying squirrel tenses and relaxes muscles in the membrane. When not in use, the skin flap can be quite cumbersome and is ‘worn’ like a cloak. The squirrel’s long, bushy tail works like a rudder for steering.}