The Wildlife Wing of the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department (HPFD) has recorded the first-ever photographic evidence of the Woolly Flying Squirrel (Eupetaurus cinereus) in the remote Miyar Valley of the Lahaul and Spiti district. This marks a major milestone in wildlife conservation and significantly updates the state’s mammalian biodiversity records.
Key Highlights:
- Species: Woolly Flying Squirrel (also known as Western Woolly Flying Squirrel)
- Scientific Name: Eupetaurus cinereus
- Location Found: Miyar Valley (Miyar Nala), Lahaul and Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh
- Significance: First photographic documentation in India outside its known range
Background:
- Endemic Range: North-western Himalayas (previously known from parts of Pakistan and Kashmir)
- Conservation History:
- Thought extinct for nearly 70 years
- Rediscovered in 1994, sparking renewed conservation interest
- Habitat: Remote mountainous regions; nocturnal and elusive
About Miyar Valley:
- Located in western Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh
- Known for its Himalayan meadows, Miyar River, and Miyar Glacier
- Recognized for rich biodiversity and stunning alpine landscapes
(Source: IE)
