Food availability and food habits of Indian giant flying squirrels (Petaurista philippensis) in Taiwan

Chi Chien Kuo, Ling Ling Lee*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We assessed seasonal variation in food habits of Indian giant flying squirrels (Petaurista philippensis) and food availability at Fushan Experimental Forest in Taiwan. Between July 1997 and December 1998, giant flying squirrels consumed at least 79 species-specific parts belonging to 30 plant species from 19 families. Castanopsis cuspidata was eaten most often (24.95% of annual diet), followed by Ficus superba (14.67%) and Glochidion acuminatum (12.18%). P. philippensis fed mainly on young leaves (27.7% of annual diet) and mature leaves (24.0%). Leaf parts (including buds, petioles, young leaves, and mature leaves) constituted 74.0% of the annual diet. Monthly and annual diet variation was obvious, and this was related to availability of species-specific plant parts. P. philippensis fed on mature leaves and petioles in winter; buds, young leaves, and fruit in spring; and young leaves and fruit in summer and autumn. They preferred buds, young leaves, flowers, and fruit to mature leaves and petioles. However, mature leaves and petioles seemed to be relied on when more favorable food items were scarce.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1330-1340
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Mammalogy
Volume84
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2003 Nov
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Folivore
  • Petaurista philippensis
  • Phenology
  • Taiwan

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
  • Ecology
  • Animal Science and Zoology
  • Genetics
  • Nature and Landscape Conservation

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