Shirui village at Ukhrul District of Manipur is a home to unique flora and fauna. It is a home to diverse plant and animal life, including several endangered species. The most prominent flora is the Shirui Lily, found only on the Shirui hills. Shirui is also home to several endangered animal species, including the Blyth’s tragopan, Mrs. Hume’s pheasant among others.
A large flying squirrel locally known as “SILUK” was recently spotted and captured by lens at Shirui forest by some enthusiastic wild life photographer under the initiative of ENFOGAL (Environmental Force At Grassroot Level) in collaboration with Horzak Zimik and Chuimaran Shangh. Pamreithing Luireiwo was the local expert who led the team in the thick forest.
The large flying squirrel which was tracked, spotted and documented by the team is believed to be a rare Biswamoyopterus, a genus of rodent in the family Sciuridae. However, it is yet to be ascertained officially the exact species while filing this report. Speaking to Rural Post, Patrick Shangh Project Director of ENFOGAL narrated that the image of the large flying squirrel was captured by Horzak Zimik and Chuimaran Shangh, when the team was exploring the Shirui Hill Range. “In consultation with wildlife expert we have come to know the genus of the large flying squirrel. We are trying every possible means to identify the species through their morphology. Our last option and biggest challenge will be identifying the species through DNA analysis” added Patrick Shangh.
There are currently three known species in this genus:
1. Namdapha flying squirrel Biswamoyopterus biswasi
2. Biswamoyopterus laoensis flying squirrel Biswamoyopterus gaoligongensis
3. Laotian giant flying squirrel Biswamoyopterus laoensis
The IUCN status for Biswamoyopterus biswasi, also known as the Namdapha flying squirrel, is Critically Endangered (IUCN 3.1). This is the highest risk category assigned by the IUCN Red List before a species is considered possibly extinct.
Biswamoyopterus laoensis- the IUCN has classified it as Data Deficient. This is because there is a lack of information about its population size, distribution, and threats it faces.
The Mount Gaoligong flying squirrel, Biswamoyopterus gaoligongensis, is a newly discovered species, and currently has no specific IUCN conservation status listed.
The confirmation of the species can have a long term impact on the population of the threatened species if proper and right measures are taken to protect its habitat.
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