Aeromys tephromelas, the Black Flying Squirrel, is a similar species. It is larger, with a rounded, fluffy tail, and has greyish, fluffy hair on its underparts (Payne et. al. 1985).
Perception Channels: tactile ; chemical
Status: IUCN - Lower risk: near threatened.
Muul (1989, in Nowak, 1991) warned that human exploitation of the primary forest habitat of Pteromyscus could seriously threaten this unique genus, resulting in its disappearance from Thailand and Malaysia.
US Migratory Bird Act: no special status
US Federal List: no special status
CITES: no special status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: endangered
This species is believed to feed on plant material including leaves, buds, blossoms, and young shoots (Muul and Lim, 1978).
Plant Foods: leaves; fruit
Primary Diet: herbivore (Folivore )
Pteromyscus pulverulentus is found throughout the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and northern Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak).
Biogeographic Regions: oriental (Native )
Pteromyscus pulverulentus primarily occupies lowland primary forests (Niethammer, 1988). It is less common in higher elevations up to 3.000 ft. (Nowak, 1991).
Range elevation: 1000 (high) m.
Habitat Regions: tropical
Terrestrial Biomes: rainforest
The body length of Pteromyscus pulverulentus ranges from 22 to 29 cm, tail length from 18 to 23 cm, hind foot length from 38 -45 mm, and ear length from 17 to 23 mm (Medway, 1978). Muul and Lim (1971) gave the weight as 134 to 252 g. The dental formula is 1/1 0/0 2/2 3/3. The upperparts are dark brown to blackish, the basal hairs are grey with buffy or whitish subterminal bands, giving a frosted appearance. The underparts are buffy white, the feet are light brown, and the cheeks are grey. The tail exhibits longer hairs on sides than on the top or bottom, giving it a slightly flattened profile, but not as pronounced as in Glaucomys species. The bushy tail is greyish brown with blackish hairs at the tip.
Range mass: 134 to 252 g.
Average mass: 0 g.
Range length: 22 to 29 cm.
Average length: 0 cm.
Other Physical Features: endothermic ; bilateral symmetry
Pteromyscus pulverulentus individuals breed and give birth in Malaysia in all months of the year (Medway, 1978). The litter size is 1 to 2, with an average of 1.3. Litters and pregnant females are found throughout the year, though only in small numbers.
Breeding season: Smoky Flying Squirrels breed throughout the year.
Range number of offspring: 1 to 2.
Average number of offspring: 1.3.
Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; year-round breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization (Internal ); viviparous
Parental Investment: altricial
The smoky flying squirrel (Pteromyscus pulverulentus) is a species of rodent in the family Sciuridae. It is monotypic within the genus Pteromyscus.[2] It is found in parts of Brunei, Indonesia, Peninsular Malaysia, and southern Thailand, but its range may be more extensive than currently mapped. Their natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry forests. It is listed as an endangered species because of estimated population loss of 50% in past and future, judging from extensive and rapid habitat loss.
Its average body length[3] ranges from 22 centimetres to 29 centimetres (cm). Their tails range from 18 to 23 centimetres, feet range from 38 to 45 millimetres (mm), and ears range from 17 to 23 millimetres. In total, the smoky flying squirrel weights approximately 5 to 9 ounces (oz).
According to records of sightings from Borneo and Malaysia, the species is only rarely sighted even in primary/pristine forest, although it lives mainly in these conditions. A threat to the smoky flying squirrel population is habitat loss due to low elevational range, restricting or preventing long-distance gliding needed to maintain a large range. Smoky flying squirrels usually eat fruits, nuts, and fungi found on nocturnal forays through the trees.
The smoky flying squirrel (Pteromyscus pulverulentus) is a species of rodent in the family Sciuridae. It is monotypic within the genus Pteromyscus. It is found in parts of Brunei, Indonesia, Peninsular Malaysia, and southern Thailand, but its range may be more extensive than currently mapped. Their natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry forests. It is listed as an endangered species because of estimated population loss of 50% in past and future, judging from extensive and rapid habitat loss.
Its average body length ranges from 22 centimetres to 29 centimetres (cm). Their tails range from 18 to 23 centimetres, feet range from 38 to 45 millimetres (mm), and ears range from 17 to 23 millimetres. In total, the smoky flying squirrel weights approximately 5 to 9 ounces (oz).
According to records of sightings from Borneo and Malaysia, the species is only rarely sighted even in primary/pristine forest, although it lives mainly in these conditions. A threat to the smoky flying squirrel population is habitat loss due to low elevational range, restricting or preventing long-distance gliding needed to maintain a large range. Smoky flying squirrels usually eat fruits, nuts, and fungi found on nocturnal forays through the trees.
