WildTrace Open in WildTrace app →

Lesser pygmy flying squirrel

Petaurillus emiliae

MammalThe IUCN lists the Less…

Taxonomy

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammal

Habitat

This species primarily inhabits lowland and hill dipterocarp forests in Borneo, preferring dense canopies at elevations up to 1,000 meters. It thrives in tropical rainforests with plenty of trees for gliding and nesting, avoiding open or disturbed areas.

Diet

The Lesser pygmy flying squirrel feeds mainly on fruits, seeds, and insects, often foraging in the canopy at night. It exhibits opportunistic feeding behavior, consuming nectar and sap when available, and uses its gliding ability to access food sources in the treetops.

Behavior

This squirrel is nocturnal and arboreal, spending most of its time in trees and gliding between them to escape predators or find food. It is generally solitary, with individuals maintaining small home ranges and showing territorial behavior through vocalizations. During the day, it nests in tree hollows or leaf nests for protection.

Conservation Status

The IUCN lists the Lesser pygmy flying squirrel as Vulnerable due to habitat loss from deforestation and logging. Population trends are decreasing, with major threats including fragmentation of rainforest habitats.