Kashmir Flying Squirrel
The range of Hylopetes fimbriatus extends from Afghan to Kashmir and Punjab, India, along the edge of the Himalayas. These squirrels reside in fir, spruce and cedar forests and chestnut oak forests in the mountains of the northwest Himalayas. It lives at elevations between 1800 and 3600m.
Kashmir flying squirrel
The body length of Hylopetes fimbriatus ranges from 24 to 31 cm. Tail length varies between 25 and 33 cm. It has an average shoulder height of 30 cm. The genus Hylopetes is distinguished from other flying squirrels by the presence of four planar footpads at the base of each digit, the absence of a lateral metatarsal pad, and the prominence of the medial pad. Among the defining dental characteristics is a unicuspid third upper premolar. Hylopetes teeth typically have pitted and grooved enamel. The dental formula is 1/1 0/0 2/2 3/3. Hylopetes fimbriatus deviates from other members of its genus in lacking a tail membrane. It also exhibits a shorter membrane spur (approximately 4 cm long) than most flying squirrels. Its snout is long and grey. The coat is also grey, and the tail is striped. The fur of H. fimbriatus is generally less fuzzy than other members of Hylopetes. Another distinguishing trait is the presence of a thumb stump with a nail-like claw. It has large, reflecting eyes.
Reproduction
Hylopetes fimbriatus gives birth to 2 to 4 young at a time. Though little specific information is available on H. fimbriatus, a close relative, H. lepidus, exhibits no specific reproduction time. Reproduction occurs throughout the year. However, females are sychronized within a population. Gestation lasts about 40 days.
Behavior
Hylopetes fimbriatus is a nocturnal animal. It spends its days roosting in the holes of trees).
Food Habits
Hylopetes fimbriatus feeds on the seeds of fir and spruce trees and on the acorns of Baloot oak trees. In captivity they should be offered a complete diet of rodent lab blocks, and rat or mouse mix, with bits of fruit or veggies regularly. Cheerios or wheat bread are great treats, in small quantities. Do NOT feed chocolate, fried foods, salted foods, candy or junk food! They may enjoy crickets and mealworms if they are captive bred, never feed wild insects as they may carry parasites. Vitamins, like Nutri-Cal are a good addition to their diet, and added calcium during nursing and growth due to demands on their systems at those times, but take care not to overdo it. Water bottles should be used to proved constant, clean water. Ceramic or stoneware food dishes work well for keeping seeds or fresh foods off the floor, and a wire mesh hopper that allows them to eat the lab blocks through without extra waste.
