Wildlifeof Thailand
Indian Giant Flying Squirrel
Sciuridae
Photo: Pieter Prins · CC BY-SA 4.0 (May be cropped or resized)
Petaurista philippensis
Basic stats
Range
Mainland South and Southeast Asia and southern and central China
Size
Head and body about 43cm; tail 50–52cm
The Indian giant flying squirrel is a large, softly furred squirrel with black to grey-brown upperparts and shorter fur below, giving the coat a grizzled appearance. Its head and body measure about 43 cm and the tail 50–52 cm. A membrane of skin stretched between the front and hind limbs lets it glide between trees rather than fly under power (Wikipedia, general species account).
Across its range it occurs in mainland South Asia, mainland Southeast Asia and southern and central China. The specialist database recognizes it as a living wild species in the family Sciuridae, subfamily Sciurinae and the flying-squirrel tribe Pteromyini; it is therefore a true squirrel adapted for gliding (Mammal Diversity Database). It is Nationally Least Concern (Thailand Red Data 2025).
Quick answers
- Where is the Indian Giant Flying Squirrel found?
- Mainland South and Southeast Asia and southern and central China
- How big is the Indian Giant Flying Squirrel?
- Head and body about 43cm; tail 50–52cm