Northern Flying Squirrel

Glaucomys sabrinus

General Status Rank: 
Secure
ELCODE: 
AMAFB09020
Common Name: 
Northern Flying Squirrel
Scientific Name: 
Glaucomys sabrinus
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Taxonomy
Group: 
Mammal (Terrestrial Mammal)
Kingdom: 
Animalia
Phylum: 
Chordata
Class: 
Mammalia
Order: 
Rodentia
Family: 
Sciuridae
References: 
B001
A2018001
General Biology

Female Age at Maturity

12 months
References: 
B084

Longevity

3 to 4 years (up to 10 in captivity)
References: 
B084

Economic/Human Considerations

Fur has no economic value.
References: 
B001
Habitat
Northern boreal coniferous forest.
References: 
B001
H122
Distribution

Ecozones

Taiga Cordillera, Taiga Plains, Taiga Shield, Boreal Cordillera, Boreal Plains
References: 
B001

Distribution

22% of the NWT. Present in Fort Smith, Fort Liard, Fort Resolution, Kakisa (B084). Present - confirmed in Fort Simpson area (H217).
Score: 
G = 2
References: 
B084
H217

Number of Occurrences

In good densities where present, for example at Kakisa (H126 based on comments from A. Runk, 2004); unknown numbers. Clear photo available near Prelude Lake 18NOV2020 (K. Tarrray, sent to M. Grabke, GNWT).
Score: 
E = >
References: 
H126

Area of Occupancy

May increase due to clearing of forest cover.
Score: 
-
References: 
H126
Population

Population Size

In good densities where present, for example at Kakisa (H126 based on comments from A. Runk, 2004); unknown numbers.
References: 
H126-05

Density

As high as a pair per 2 hectares
Trends

Trends

Stable?
References: 
H126
Threats

Threats

Needs mature poplar or aspen for nesting.
Score: 
C = M
References: 
B084
H122

Intrinsic Vulnerability

Needs mature poplar or aspen for nesting, clearing of forest cover could be a problem.
Score: 
-
References: 
B084
H122
General Status Rank
Rank: 
Secure
Status Rank Description: 
Present based on distribution map in southern quarter of the NWT, in good numbers where found.
S Rank: 
S5
Decision Process Description: 
Drafted as sensitive by M. Bradley in 2000. Suggested to be modified to secure by D. Johnson in 2004 (H112). Reviewed in 2010, no change. Reviewed in 2015, no change. Reviewed in 2020, no change.
Last Updated: 
February 16, 2024

References

Age Of Maturity

  • Woods SE Jr. (1980) The Squirrels of Canada. National Museums of Canada RWED Library Call #QL737.R68W6 - B084 Return

Area of Occupancy

  • Carrière, S. (2000) Pers. communication. Ecosystem Management Biologist; RWED - H126 Return

Economic Status

  • Banfield AWF (1974) The Mammals of Canada. University of Toronto Press RWED Library Call #QL721.B3 - B001 Return

Ecozones

  • Banfield AWF (1974) The Mammals of Canada. University of Toronto Press RWED Library Call #QL721.B3 - B001 Return

Habitat

  • Banfield AWF (1974) The Mammals of Canada. University of Toronto Press RWED Library Call #QL721.B3 - B001 Return
  • Bradley, M (1999) Personnal Communication. Biologist / Wood Buffalo National Park, Fort Smith, NT - H122 Return

Intrinsic Vulnerability

  • Woods SE Jr. (1980) The Squirrels of Canada. National Museums of Canada RWED Library Call #QL737.R68W6 - B084 Return
  • Bradley, M (1999) Personnal Communication. Biologist / Wood Buffalo National Park, Fort Smith, NT - H122 Return

Longevity

  • Woods SE Jr. (1980) The Squirrels of Canada. National Museums of Canada RWED Library Call #QL737.R68W6 - B084 Return

NWT Known Subspecies

Banfield AWF (1974) The Mammals of Canada. University of Toronto Press RWED Library Call #QL721.B3 - B001 Return
,
Arbogast, B.S., K.I. Schumacher, N.J. Kerhoulas, A.L. Bidlack, J.A. Cook, and G.J. Kenagy. (2017) Genetic data reveal a cryptic species of New World flying squirrel: Glaucomys oregonensis. Journal of Mammalogy 98(4):1027–1041.. Journal of Mammalogy 98(4):1027–1041. 98(4):1027–1041. - A2018001 Return

Number of Occurrences

  • Carrière, S. (2000) Pers. communication. Ecosystem Management Biologist; RWED - H126 Return

Population Size

Suzanne Carriere (2005) Pers. Comm.. - H126-05 Return

Range Extent

  • Woods SE Jr. (1980) The Squirrels of Canada. National Museums of Canada RWED Library Call #QL737.R68W6 - B084 Return
  • Nic Larter (2008) Terrestrial mammals, news, changes, and updates for the general status program. e-mail to S Carriere 18 july 2008 print out in binder - H217 Return

Short Term Trends

  • Carrière, S. (2000) Pers. communication. Ecosystem Management Biologist; RWED - H126 Return

Taxonomy

  • Banfield AWF (1974) The Mammals of Canada. University of Toronto Press RWED Library Call #QL721.B3 - B001 Return
  • Arbogast, B.S., K.I. Schumacher, N.J. Kerhoulas, A.L. Bidlack, J.A. Cook, and G.J. Kenagy. (2017) Genetic data reveal a cryptic species of New World flying squirrel: Glaucomys oregonensis. Journal of Mammalogy 98(4):1027–1041.. Journal of Mammalogy 98(4):1027–1041. 98(4):1027–1041. - A2018001 Return

Threats

  • Woods SE Jr. (1980) The Squirrels of Canada. National Museums of Canada RWED Library Call #QL737.R68W6 - B084 Return
  • Bradley, M (1999) Personnal Communication. Biologist / Wood Buffalo National Park, Fort Smith, NT - H122 Return