Southern flying squirrel

The Southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) is a rodent belonging to the Sciuridae family. While generally considered an iconic woodland species, it can occasionally behave as a pest within forestry nurseries and agricultural areas bordering forested habitats. These small nocturnal mammals use a patagium, a membrane stretching between their limbs, to glide between trees.

Their diet typically consists of buds, young shoots, bark, seeds, and fruits. In agricultural settings, they can cause damage by feeding on nut crops, fruit-bearing trees, and young coniferous seedlings. When natural food sources are limited, these rodents tend to focus their foraging efforts on cultivated plants, causing noticeable economic losses.

Biologically, the species is nocturnal and highly mobile. They produce two litters annually, typically residing in tree cavities, abandoned bird nests, or nest boxes. Because they are shy and primarily active at night, their presence often goes unnoticed until the damage to the trees becomes visually evident.

The damage caused by Glaucomys volans is mainly characterized by bark gnawing, which exposes the tree to pathogens, and the consumption of reproductive buds, which stunts growth and reduces fruit production. This is particularly problematic in tree nurseries where the aesthetic and structural integrity of the saplings is crucial for commercial value.

Management and protection measures should focus on prevention and exclusion:

• Installing metal guards or tree wraps on the lower trunks to prevent climbing.
• Removing debris and excessive nesting habitats near valuable crop areas.
• Deploying motion-activated ultrasonic repellents to deter the squirrels.
• Using non-toxic, taste-based deterrents on young saplings or fruit trees.