Kei K Suzuki

Flying squirrels have important roles in ecosystems; as a disperser of seeds and spores. However, flying squirrel species which strongly depend on old mature forests are declined in abundance as a result of logging of mature forests. Guidelines for the conservation of flying squirrels have been developed, but it is important to have an accurate and deeply understanding of their ecology in order to revise the guidelines to be more effective. Japanese flying squirrel (Pteromys momonga, JFS), which is threatened extinction in wide areas of Japan, is one of the flying squirrel species with the least ecological information. However, developments in survey techniques have led to an increase in recent habitat information. In this paper, I reviewed JFS ecology, such as activity, diet, nest site, reproduction, and habitat use, based on individual field observation, and provides its’ conservation implication. The results show that JFS is one of the most prolific of the flying squirrel species and is strongly dependent on Japanese cedar and cypress plantations. The population growth rate of JFS, which has a similar litter size to the field mouse, is not considered to be significantly low. Because of its very high reproductive potential, the reasons why JFS is threatened with extinction in many parts of Japan cannot be attributed to low population growth rates. I consider the plantation will be an important aspect of habitat conservation for JFS which currently insufficient conservation practices could be improved. Because Japanese cedar is useful to both as nesting sites and as nesting material, the cedar with cavity and surrounding trees should not be cut down. In addition, if cutting is necessary, alternative nest boxes would probably need to be installed. In addition, with reference to the gliding ability of kin species, logging practices that create gaps of 1.8 times or more the height of the trees at the forest edge should be avoided. In recent years, management regimes of plantations which promote biodiversity is of great interest internationally for conservation of endangered species. My review indicates that the coniferous plantations with native broad-leaved trees serve as a habitat for an endangered flying squirrel. I hope that this paper will be useful for conservation of JFS habitat using the plantation.