Namdapha Flying Squirrel

Namdapha Flying Squirrel Program

Namdapha Flying Squirrel! There is more to this program

While you are doing your bit for the environment by conserving energy, we decided to do our bit by helping the critically endangered Namdapha Flying Squirrel.

The program is named after the Namdapha flying squirrel. This unique squirrel is found as the name suggests in the Namdapha National Park. Namdapha National Park is situated in Changlang District in the state of Arunachal Pradesh straddling the International border between India and Myanmar (Burma). The park is blessed with breathtaking natural beauty including but not limited to the misty blue hills and the turbulent Noa-Dihing river.

For the genealogically inclined the Namdapha squirrel is the only species in the genus Biswamoyopterus. Now the most distinctive feature of this species is the furred, muscular membrane that extends along the sides of the body- from the front limbs to the hind legs. This membrane acts as a parachute when the animal leaps from a tree enabling it to take extended leaps which appears as if the squirrel is flying between the trees.

This little-known flying squirrel has a very restricted territory which makes it particularly vulnerable to any threats. The Namdapha flying squirrel is presently threatened by habitat loss and degradation caused by deforestation, agriculture, and the exploitation of its habitat for forest products, particularly the leaves of rattan palm which local inhabitants use as a roofing material.

We at Masplantiz have decided to help protect the squirrel in Namdapha Park by raising awareness. Despite the protection of this large area, it is still affected by human activities, such as those mentioned above. The effective protection of the Namdapha National Park is therefore incredibly important.

To help in this cause we are teaming up with various organizations and in fact as many individuals we can possibly reach to help Namdhapha flying squirrel survive this threat. The program will help in addressing the environmental and social issues that are leading to the loss of the flying squirrel. The money we raise with this program will be used to help support conservation and education programs.

How can you help?

Spread the word! Let all the energy conservation program participants know why we have code named the program as “Namdhapha Flying Squirrel “. Get your own support “Namdhapha Flying Squirrel” button and put it on your blog or website, tweet it and talk about it with the people you know.

Awareness is half the battle won!

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