Flying Squirrel Study

The ONE Monitoring Program partnered with the Ministry of Natural Resources to determine the distribution of Northern and Southern Flying Squirrels within the Aurora MNR District. The Aurora District covers part of Peel Region and the Oak Ridges Moraine south to the Halton Region. Study sites that will be examined along the Escarpment where large, continuous forest exists include: Hilton Falls, Belfountain, Forks-of-the-Credit Provincial Park, Kelso, Crawford Lake and Mount Nemo. This was a 2 year study, with field work commencing in July, 2004.

Flying squirrel don't actually fly - these nocturnal creatures have a furry membrane uniting the front and back legs which enables them to glide from tree to tree.

Southern Flying Squirrel populations are detrimentally affected by habitat fragmentation and loss. They are considered a species of "Special Concern" by COSEWIC, and have an MNR rank of "Vulnerable". Studies have shown that removing dead or damaged stems may reduce densities of this species in existing habitat. Northern Flying Squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus) are not considered to be at risk.

Traps wereestablished at selected study sites, and a catch and release system was used. Flying squirrels were identified, weighed and a small hair sample was obtained to examine genetic diversity. GPS readings were taken at all traps and entered into a GIS layer.