Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
Habitat
Thomas's flying squirrel inhabits primary and secondary tropical rainforests, as well as montane forests, primarily in Malaysia and southern Thailand. It prefers areas with tall trees for gliding and dense canopy cover, typically at elevations from 300 to 1,500 meters.
Diet
This species feeds mainly on fruits, nuts, seeds, and insects, often foraging in the canopy at night. It supplements its diet with leaves and possibly bird eggs or small invertebrates, using its gliding ability to access food sources in the treetops.
Behavior
Thomas's flying squirrel is nocturnal and arboreal, spending most of its time in trees and gliding up to 50 meters between them to escape predators or find food. It is generally solitary or found in pairs, with males defending small territories, and it communicates through vocalizations and scent marking. During the day, it nests in tree hollows or leaf nests for protection.
Conservation Status
Thomas's flying squirrel is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population trend, though habitat loss from deforestation poses a potential threat. No major conservation efforts are specifically targeted at this species due to its wide distribution.