Flying Squirrels Are Booming in Rajasthan’s Sitamata Sanctuary—Here’s Why
Let me tell you about this place in Rajasthan you’ve probably never heard of—Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s not your usual tourist hotspot, but for wildlife lovers? Pure gold. And right now, it’s got something special going on: flying squirrels are popping up like never before. Yeah, those tiny gliding ninjas of the night. But what’s the big deal, you ask? Well, stick around.
Wait—They Don’t Actually Fly?
Okay, first things first. Flying squirrels? Total misnomer. They don’t fly—they glide. Like, imagine stretching out a skin parachute between your arms and legs (that’s called a patagium, by the way) and just… soaring between trees. Crazy, right? And these guys are proper night owls—only come out after dark to snack on fruits and bugs. Big, round eyes, silent as shadows. Honestly, spotting one feels like winning the wildlife lottery.
Why Sitamata? It’s All About the Trees
Here’s the thing about Sitamata—it’s got these mahua trees everywhere. And if you’re a flying squirrel? That’s basically a five-star hotel. The flowers are like candy to them, and the hollow trunks? Perfect little apartments. The sanctuary covers over 400 square kilometers of thick forest and rocky patches in Pratapgarh district. And because it’s protected, the squirrels can just do their thing without humans bugging them too much.
These Little Guys Can Glide How Far?!
This blew my mind—up to 60 meters in one glide. That’s like jumping off one end of an Olympic pool and landing dry on the other side. They launch from high branches, spread out that skin flap, and just… whoosh. Even crazier? They can steer mid-air by shifting their weight. Talk about precision landing.
The Comeback Story
So why are they thriving now? A few reasons:
- Poaching’s way down—forest guards don’t play around here
- Locals actually protect the mahua trees instead of overharvesting them
- Tourism’s kept low-key so animals don’t get stressed
But it’s not all good news. Some idiots still try illegal logging, and climate change might mess with the mahua flowering cycles. And yeah, some people still hunt them for fur or weird traditional remedies. Can’t win ’em all, I guess.
Want to Spot One? Good Luck.
Let’s be real—you’ll need patience and timing. Dusk or dawn are your best bets, but even then, it’s rare. Pro tip: if you’re serious about photos, use red lights. Normal torches freak them out. And for heaven’s sake, no flash photography—let the squirrels do their thing without us ruining it.
Bottom Line
This isn’t just about cute animals. Sitamata’s flying squirrels are proof that conservation actually works when we commit to it. In a world where wild spaces keep shrinking, places like this matter. So next time you’re in Rajasthan, skip the palaces for a day—this sanctuary’s got the real magic.
Where to Learn More
- WWF India – They’ve got the scoop on all things wildlife
- That flying squirrel documentary on Netflix – Worth a watch if you’re into night critters
- Rajasthan Forest Department – Call ’em at +91-XXX-XXXXXXX for visit details
Seriously though—how cool are these squirrels?
Source: News18 Hindi – Nation
