Lahaul, April 5: The Forest Department has documented the first-ever photographic evidence of the elusive woolly flying squirrel (Eupetaurus cinereus) in the Miyar valley of Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul and Spiti district, marking a major milestone in the region’s wildlife research.
The rare mammal was recorded during a camera trapping survey conducted from October 10 to December 4, 2024, as part of the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI). The initiative focuses on studying snow leopards and their habitat across high-altitude regions.
“This is a significant addition to the state’s mammal checklist and an important moment for conservation science,” said a senior official from the Wildlife Wing of the Forest Department.
The woolly flying squirrel, found only in the north-western Himalayas, was thought to be extinct until its rediscovery in 1994 after nearly seven decades. Its confirmed presence in Himachal Pradesh strengthens the understanding of the region’s biodiversity and the effectiveness of recent conservation efforts.
In addition to the woolly flying squirrel, the camera traps also recorded snow leopards, Himalayan wolves, red foxes and mountain weasels. These species were primarily detected in rocky cliff zones and transitional habitats just above the tree line—areas typically used by the squirrel.
The survey involved the installation of 62 camera traps at strategic locations throughout Miyar valley and was carried out by the Forest Department’s Wildlife Wing in collaboration with the Nature Conservation Foundation, following SPAI protocols.
