Range extension and high elevation record for the endangered woolly flying squirrel Eupetaurus cinereus in Western Himalaya, India

摘要

The woolly flying squirrel (Eupetaurus cinereus Thomas, 1888) is one of the least-known endangered mammals of the Himalayas and recorded only from few localities at 2400-3600 m in Hindu Kush and North-Western Himalayas. We report first confirmed record of this species from Upper Bhagirathi Basin, Uttarakhand, Western Himalaya. The squirrel was photo-captured twice in camera traps placed in temperate and alpine habitats. The photo-capture at 4800 m is higher than the described upper elevation range limit of any other flying squirrels. Continuous monitoring would reveal the extent of threats to this rare species in its newly described range.