Flying squirrel

The Flying squirrel (Pteromys) belongs to the Sciuridae family and is typically known for its gliding ability. In forestry, it is occasionally identified as a pest when its foraging behavior overlaps with valuable timber stands or ornamental plantations. While generally beneficial to the forest ecosystem, their feeding habits on specific tree parts can cause localized economic damage.

These rodents primarily consume tree buds, catkins from birch and alder, and occasionally the bark of young trees. When natural food sources are scarce, especially during late winter and early spring, they may target the terminal buds of young saplings in tree nurseries. This feeding activity can disrupt vertical growth, leading to stunted or deformed development in sensitive species.

The biological cycle of the flying squirrel involves nocturnal activity, making them difficult to monitor. Females typically raise two litters per year. Because these animals remain active throughout the winter and do not hibernate, they rely on a steady supply of tree-derived food, which sustains their pressure on local vegetation during the coldest months of the year.

The damage caused by these rodents is characterized by the consumption of tender shoots and bark stripping in the upper canopy. The overall harm includes the loss of photosynthetic capacity and increased susceptibility to secondary infections by pathogens and boring insects. If the population density is high, the cumulative impact on juvenile forest regeneration can be significant.

Control strategies should focus on non-lethal management and exclusion techniques. Protective measures include installing physical mesh barriers around young saplings and utilizing sensory deterrents like ultrasonic devices. As flying squirrels are protected species in many territories, habitat management is preferred, such as providing alternative food sources away from sensitive areas to divert them from commercial crops.