The new species of red-and-white-furred flying squirrel was discovered on sale in a bush meat market in Laos. These are among the largest of all of the giant squirrels with the reported sizes varying greatly depending upon the sex, age and subspecies involved. It is found in mainland Southeast and South Asia, and southern and central China. The Indian giant flying squirrel (Petaurista philippensis), also called the large brown flying squirrel or the common giant flying squirrel, is a species of rodent in the Sciuridae family. This large flying squirrel lives in Himalayan forests in Asia. These are among the largest of all of the giant squirrels with the reported sizes varying greatly depending upon the sex, age and subspecies involved. The Indian Giant Flying Squirrel is one of the largest flying squirrels, similar in size to the Red Giant Flying Squirrel found in East Asia at about 43cm long with a 50cm tail. They have a rufous coat, grey underparts, and large, round eyes. There are currently several recognized subspecies. Especially the distinctive caniceps (grey-headed giant flying squirrel) and less often sybilla (Chindwin giant flying squirrel) have been regarded as separate species. The Red and White Giant flying squirrel is found in central and southern China and Taiwan. It travels from tree to tree with jumps of up to 6 m (20 ft). The discoveries in the Mekong region illustrate how, even as many species are dying out, new animals can be revealed even in heavily populated areas. Photo: James Eaton/Birdtour Asia/WWF-UK/PA. According to IUCN, the Red giant flying squirrel is locally common and widespread throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. The discoveries in the Mekong region illustrate how, even as many species are dying out, new animals can be revealed even in heavily populated areas. Flying squirrel and eyeless spider discovered in Greater Mekong. Mian threat to Red giant flying squirrels is habitat destruction due to logging, agriculture, dam construction, infrastructure development, and urbanization. When in danger, the Ratufa indica often freezes … Population number. Range in red as reported by the IUCN, but see text: Hodgson's giant flying squirrel (Petaurista magnificus) is a species of rodent in the family Sciuridae. The Indian giant squirrel is an upper-canopy dwelling species, which rarely leaves the trees, and requires "tall profusely branched trees for the construction of nests." There are currently several recognized subspecies. The Red and White Giant flying squirrel is found in central and southern China and Taiwan. Red and White Giant Flying Squirrel. The new species of red-and-white-furred flying squirrel was discovered on sale in a bush meat market in Laos. The Indian Giant Flying Squirrel is one of the largest flying squirrels, similar in size to the Red Giant Flying Squirrel found in East Asia at about 43cm long with a 50cm tail. This article was originally published in The Guardian on 4 June 2014. In 2005, Mammal Species of the World opted to regard all as subspecies of the spotted giant flying squirrel. Mon, 09 Jun 2014 . It is capable of gliding flight using a skin membrane stretched between front and hind legs. Red and White Giant Flying Squirrel. They have a rufous coat, grey underparts, and large, round eyes. Established in 1964, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has evolved to become the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species. Like other flying squirrels, it is nocturnal and able to glide (not actually fly like a bat) long distances between trees by spreading out its patagium, skin between its limbs.