Page 122 - Atlas Of The World's Strangest Animals

122 ATLAS OF THE WORLD’S STRANGEST ANIMALS

According to a fossil found in China in 2006, mammals can glide as far as 45m (147.6ft). Landing is no problem,
may have actually taken to the skies at around the same either. As squirrels approach their destination, they flip
time as birds were developing the ability to fly.What’s up their tail and raise their body back to slow their
more, it is believed that the squirrel-sized ancestor of speed, giving themselves time to position their feet for a
today’s gliders – known as Volaticotherium antiquum – got safe touchdown.
around in just the same way, using a membrane to flit from These cute creatures are most at home in woodlands and
perch to perch. can be found in south-eastern parts of Canada and eastern
Flying is controlled movement through the air. By parts of North America. Populations are also found in the
contrast, gliding animals are dependent on gravity. Once tropical forests of Mexico and Honduras. Here, amongst
they have become airborne, achieving control over their the benefits and threats inherent in all woodlands, their
‘flight’ is difficult, although they can direct their glide by gliding lifestyle comes into its own. Stuck on the forest
tensing their bodies and flapping their tails.This may floor, these little mammals would be vulnerable to attack.
make gliding seem like a poor substitute for true flight, Even in the tree tops, there’s no guarantee of safety. So,
but it’s a remarkably efficient way of getting around. being able to take to the air when predators appear, or to
Depending on the air currents, southern flying squirrels glide from one food source to another without danger, is a

It’s always a good idea to look before you leap, and that’s Once he’s sure of his distance and direction, it’s time for take
exactly what this flying squirrel is doing! off, but gliding does have some disadvantages over flying …

Now that the little squirrel is airborne, he can’t change Time for a quick landing! Dropping down to the nearest tree,
direction quickly, even though danger is heading his way. our squirrel scurries towards a convenient bolt hole.

(c) 2011 Marshall Cavendish. All Rights Reserved.