Are there flying squirrels in Japan?

Yes, there are flying squirrels in Japan. Japan has two species of flying squirrels: the Siberian flying squirrel and the Japanese dwarf flying squirrel.

* Siberian flying squirrels (_Pteromys volans_) are found in the northern forests of Japan, including Hokkaido, Honshu, and Kyushu. They are medium-sized squirrels with a body length of about 15-18 cm and a tail length of about 11-13 cm. Siberian flying squirrels have reddish-brown fur on their backs and white fur on their bellies. They have large, dark eyes and a long, bushy tail.

* Japanese dwarf flying squirrels (_Pteromys momonga_) are found in the forests of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. They are smaller than the Siberian flying squirrels, with a body length of about 12-14 cm and a tail length of about 9-11 cm. Japanese dwarf flying squirrels have brown or gray fur on their backs and white fur on their bellies. They have small, dark eyes and a short, bushy tail.

Both the Siberian flying squirrel and the Japanese dwarf flying squirrel are nocturnal, meaning that they are active at night. They spend their days sleeping in nests that they build in trees. Flying squirrels are omnivores, and their diet includes nuts, seeds, insects, and fruits. They are also known to eat bird eggs and nestlings.

Flying squirrels are able to glide through the air using a special membrane of skin that stretches between their front and back legs. This membrane, called a patagium, allows flying squirrels to glide for distances of up to 50 meters. Flying squirrels use their tails to help them steer while they are gliding.

Flying squirrels are an important part of the Japanese ecosystem. They help to disperse seeds and insects, and they are a food source for other animals, such as owls and hawks. Flying squirrels are also a popular tourist attraction in Japan. Many people come to Japan to see these unique creatures in the wild.