Page 121 - Atlas Of The World's Strangest Animals
P. 121
SOUTHERN FLYING SQUIRREL 121
Key Facts ORDER Rodentia / FAMILY Sciuridae /
GENUS & SPECIES Glaucomys volans
Weight Up to 225g (7.9oz)
Length Up to 28cm (11in) excluding tail
Sexual maturity Females: 9 months
Breeding season Winter, but varies with location
Number of young 2–6
Wrist extensions Gestation period 40 days
Tiny rods of thin cartilage
Breeding interval Twice a year possible
(a form of stiff connective
Typical diet Nuts, seeds, fruit, insects and
tissue) project from the
birds’ eggs
squirrels’ wrists.These help
to support the leading edge of Lifespan Up to 6 years in the wild;
the all-important patagium 13 in captivity
(gliding membrane).
(c) 2011 Marshall Cavendish. All Rights Reserved.
