Rare flying squirrel found in India

Chaibasa, Jharkhand: A flying squirrel, an endangered species, was captured by the forest department officials at Balijharan village in Jagannathpur sub-division of West Singhbhum district, an official said.

The flying squirrel was spotted under a tree near a primary school building and was captured on Tuesday, forest Ranger (Noamundi) Anand Behari Singh said. He said, "It is on the verge of extinction." Following the capture, the forest officials conducted a medical check on it and sent it to Birsa Zoological Park, Ranchi, Singh said, adding that the health of the flying squirrel was found to be alright.

The local tribes call it 'Oraal' and pay respect to this animal.