Q. What is the IUCN conservation status of Indian Giant Flying Squirrel, that was recently seen in news?
Answer: Least Concern
Notes: A rare sighting of the Indian Giant Flying Squirrel was reported in Ranikhet, Uttarakhand, bringing attention to this unique forest-dwelling species. The Indian Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaurista philippensis) is one of the largest flying squirrels, with a body length of 30–45 cm and a tail up to 60 cm. It has a reddish-brown (rufous) coat, grey underparts, large round eyes, and a gliding membrane from wrist to ankle for tree-to-tree movement. It lives in tropical and subtropical forests, especially near forest edges, and feeds on fruits, nuts, leaves, and bark. It is nocturnal, arboreal, glides up to 60 meters, and gives alarm calls when sensing owls. It plays a vital role in seed dispersal and forest health, making it a keystone species. It is protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972, and listed as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

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