The Con Dao Flying Squirrel (Hylopetes lepidus) is an exceptionally rare and endemic species found only in Con Dao National Park. Even long-time island residents rarely encounter this animal, as it is strictly nocturnal, spending daylight hours hiding in tree hollows.
This species glides between trees using a thin membrane stretching from its forelimbs to hindlimbs — a distinctive feature that gives it the name “flying squirrel.”
Identification
- Small-sized flying squirrel
- Orange-yellow fur on the head and back, with dark bases
- Black patagium (gliding membrane)
- Reddish-orange cheeks and tail base
- Lives in large old trees; nests inside tree hollows
Distribution
- Vietnam: only on Con Dao Island
- Global: Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia
Conservation
The Con Dao Flying Squirrel is listed as a Vulnerable (VU D1) species in the Vietnam Red Data Book. With a small, isolated population and extremely narrow distribution, its survival depends heavily on protecting the island’s primary forest habitat.
