Flying Squirrel Gliding

About

Flying squirrels utilize a remarkable biological adaptation to navigate their arboreal environment: gliding. This ability is facilitated by a specialized membrane called the patagium, which stretches from their wrists to their ankles. When they leap from a tree, they extend their arms and legs, deploying the patagium to catch the air, allowing them to glide long distances. This mechanism enhances their mobility, enabling them to cover vast areas efficiently and avoid predators on the ground. The gliding technique involves three distinct phases, including a ballistic dive, a cruising phase, and a final landing phase. During these phases, flying squirrels adjust their body position to manipulate lift and drag forces, ensuring stable and controlled glides. Their cartilaginous wrist structures further contribute to stability and maneuverability. This adaptation not only aids in foraging and predator avoidance but also demonstrates remarkable evolutionary efficiency in navigating complex forest environments.