First photographic record of Woolly Flying Squirrel captured in Miyar Valley
Shimla, Apr 5,
Breakthrough for wildlife conservation and photography, the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department has captured the first-ever photographic evidence of the elusive Woolly Flying Squirrel (Eupetaurus cinereus), one of biggest gliding animal known to mankind in the Miyar Valley of Lahaul and Spiti district. The rare documentation was achieved through a camera trapping survey conducted between October 10 and December 4, 2024.
A spokesperson for the Forest Department confirmed that the Woolly Flying Squirrel, endemic to the north-western Himalayas, had long been considered extinct until its rediscovery in 1994—nearly 70 years after it was last seen. Its confirmed presence in Himachal Pradesh marks a notable addition to the state’s mammalian biodiversity and is being hailed as a significant milestone in ongoing conservation efforts.
The photographic record emerged from a camera trapping survey conducted under the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) initiative. A total of 62 camera traps were installed across key locations in the Miyar Valley, following SPAI protocols. The survey was carried out by the Wildlife Wing of the Forest Department in collaboration with the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF).
The deployment of the traps in the valley’s rugged Himalayan terrain was spearheaded by a team of trained local youth from Kibber in Spiti, who have been involved in conservation efforts since 2010. Their work was supported by a conservation enthusiast from Lahaul, known for his commitment to protecting local wildlife.
In addition to the Woolly Flying Squirrel, the camera traps captured several other iconic high-altitude species, including the snow leopard, red fox, Himalayan wolf, and mountain weasel. These species were observed in rocky cliff zones and transitional habitats just above the tree line, which are also typical habitats for the Woolly Flying Squirrel.
The findings redefines the rich and fragile biodiversity of the Miyar Valley and offer new insights into Himachal Pradesh’s high-altitude ecosystems. Forest Department officials emphasized that such discoveries highlight the critical need for sustained research and conservation to protect these unique and threatened habitats.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
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