Namdapha flying squirrel

Namdapha flying squirrel ( Biswamoyopterus biswasi )

The Namdapha flying squirrel ( Biswamoyopterus biswasi ) is an Indian flying squirrel. It is only known from a single specimen, which was found in 1981 in Arunachal Pradesh and described by the Indian biologists Subhendu Sekhar Saha. Since then, no other specimen of this species was found.

The only known individual of this type had a body length of 40 cm and a 60 cm long tail. It was colored reddish brown on the upper side and lower side white. Outwardly, it looked a lot like a Riesengleithörnchen, as opposed to this but ear tufts. The examination of the teeth showed significant deviations of all known flying squirrel. The incisors are red pigmented at all flying squirrels, but not at this kind also the enamel and the size of the molars are different.

The IUCN has classified this Squirrel serious threat to the state. Because it has been rarely seen, it is believed that it occupied a minute distribution area and the population of individuals is less than 250. It has, however, been no systematic attempts to rediscover this squirrel in Namdapha area.

2013 a second species of the genus Biswamoyopterus described. Biswamoyopterus laoensis occurs in central Laos.