13 Interesting Facts About Flying Squirrels

3. Instead of Wings, Flying Squirrels Have 'Patagia' and Wrist Spurs

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One of the most amazing features of flying squirrels' physical structure is the presence of a membrane called the "patagium," which is furry, parachute-like and stretches between the front and back limbs allowing flying squirrels to glide elegantly through the air. Their anatomy is specifically adapted for their amazing gliding capacity. Although they lack wings like those of birds or bats, the patagium functions similarly in capturing air as the squirrel leaps from tree to tree, allowing it to glide instead of fall to the earth. Essential for flying squirrel survival in arboreal environments, the patagium is a remarkable adaptation enabling flying squirrels to travel great distances between trees. A flying squirrel stretches its limbs and spreads its patagia widely when ready to leap, therefore generating a surface area that traps air and slows its descent. This modification not only increases mobility but also enables them to precisely negotiate their surroundings, therefore enabling access to food supplies and effective predator avoidance. Flying squirrels have acquired another interesting trait to improve the efficacy of their patagia: cartilage spurs at each wrist. Almost like an extra finger, these spurs give more help to stretch the patagia even beyond. This adaption helps especially when trying to glide to a tree farther than their jumping distance. Flying squirrels may maximise their gliding capacity by spreading their limbs and using these wrist spurs, therefore enabling them to reach amazing distances in the air. A flying squirrel leaps boldly into the nighttime sky when it chooses to start a glide. Once airborne, it stretches out its patagia using its wrists spurs and opens its limbs to become a gliding parachute. This ability to glide not only saves energy when compared to sprinting or climbing but also lets them gracefully and quickly negotiate their surroundings. Flying squirrels land on the trunk of the target tree upon arriving at their targeted location and use their sharp claws to hold.