flying squirrel

Giant flying squirrels can glide over 400 m/440 yd between trees by stretching the broad, fur-covered membranes that extend from the sides of the body to the toes. They live in forested regions of Asia and are active at night.

Any of 43 known species of squirrel, not closely related to the true squirrels. They are characterized by a membrane along the side of the body from forelimb to hindlimb (in some species running to neck and tail) which allows them to glide through the air. Several genera of flying squirrel are found in the Old World; the New World has the genus Glaucomys. Most species are eastern Asian.

The giant flying squirrel Petaurista grows up to 1.1 m/3.5 ft including tail.