New Distribution Information on Woolly Flying Squirrel (Eupetaurus cinereus Thomas, 1888) in Neelum Valley of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

Woolly flying squirrel (Eupetaurus cinereus) is among the least recorded mammals of the world. Most records come from Pakistan's northern mountainous regions. Presence of this species has not been reported in Azad Jammu and Kashmir in the existing literature. Present study investigated the presence of this species in Shounthar Valley of district Neelum, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Local residents, hunters and Salaajeet collectors were consulted to identify the probable habitat of woolly flying squirrel in the study area. After preliminary consultation, nine sites were selected in Shounthar Valley for further field investigation through attempts at direct observation of the animal in its natural habitat as well as indirect evidence. Evidence suggesting the presence of woolly flying squirrel was found in all nine sites; these lay between 3270m and 3660m elevation. A live animal captured from the study area was confirmed by measurements and photographs to be a woolly flying squirrel, and presence at the other sites is provisionally recorded based on calls, collection of hairs, faecal material, etc. Occupied habitat was characterized by steep slopes, difficult to approach cliffs and mixed vegetation including Abies pindrow, Betula utilis, Juniperus macropoda, Pinus wallichiana, Taxus wallichiana, Skimmia laureola, Potentilla eriocarpa, Poa bactriana, Bergenia stracheyi, Artemisia vulgaris and Bistorta affinis. Habitat degradation due to deforestation and livestock grazing may be the major factors adversely affecting the general habitat in the study area and this species might have negative consequences.