Flight of the Southern Flying Squirrel

Thanks to the wide leathery webs between the legs, the flying squirrel can plan from tree to tree, spreading its paws in different directions and using the webs as wings. British photographer Kim Taylors (Kim Taylors) with the help of a special camera took detailed pictures of the flight of this animal.

The flying squirrel can cover a distance of up to 80 m in the air, depending on the starting height, and when landing raises its tail up to reduce the tension of the membrane, and then it turns into a kind of parachute.

Southern flyers have a patagium — a skin membrane between the wrist and ankle, which, when opened, acts as a glider wing. To plan, escaping from predators or moving from one feeding place to another, the animal climbs as high as possible into a tree, then jumps and opens the patagium.

Southern flying squirrels (Latin Glaucomys volans) are omnivorous animals that eat insects, small mammals and birds, nuts, acorns, bark, fruits, berries and seeds. They lead a nocturnal lifestyle. They live in pairs or in large groups (up to 20 individuals). Nests are arranged in tree hollows.

The tail of the flying squirrel is long and covered with thick hair. It acts as a steering wheel, as well as a brake. The flying squirrel can deftly and quickly climb the trunk, clinging to the surface of the bark with steeply curved and sharp claws.