New Distribution Records of Small Kashmir Flying Squirrel Eoglaucomys fimbriatus (Gray, 1837) (Mammalia: Sciuridae), with Notes on its Diel Activity in the Musk Deer National Park, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

Abstract

Small Kashmir Flying Squirrel (SKFS) Eoglaucomys fimbriatus (Gray, 1837) is a resident of thick forests in northern parts of Pakistan. The species faces many threats in Pakistan and is listed as vulnerable in Pakistan. A camera trapping study was carried out in the Musk Deer National Park (MDNP) from 11 May to 26 June 2014, with the main purpose to study the distribution of SKFS. A total of 40 trail cameras were deployed for 1,025 trap nights in different watersheds of the park territory. The species was photo-captured at seven stations during 11 capture events. The camera-trapping results showed that SKFS was present in the central and western parts of the park. The photo-captured history of the species shows nocturnal activity between 20:00 to 3:00 hrs. Based on photo-captured data, we assume that moon phases do not affect the activity of SKFS in MDNP. Rainfall had a negative impact, while the temperature was directly correlated with the species’ activity. Current research has helped to redefine this species’ range, as its presence was confirmed about 38 km from the IUCN nearest declared range.