Fading into Obscurity: Impact of Climate Change on Suitable Habitats for Two Lesser-Known Giant Flying Squirrels (Sciuridae: Petaurista) in Northeastern India.

Abstract

In recent years, global warming has become a major driver of biodiversity loss, significantly impacting various vertebrate species, including mammals. Consequently, numerous smaller species face extinction risks due to anthropogenic factors as well as inadequate assessments and conservation planning. Thus, this study focuses on two recently described endemic giant flying squirrel species under the Petaurista genus-Petaurista mishmiensis and Petaurista mechukaensis-found in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Using an ensemble species distribution model (SDM), this research delineates suitable habitats for these lesser-known species and evaluates the effects of climate change and habitat fragmentation on these areas. This analysis aims to inform a comprehensive management plan for their conservation. The ensemble model identified suitable habitat patches for the two species, extending beyond their current IUCN-designated ranges in Arunachal Pradesh. Under present conditions, P. mishmiensis has the largest predicted suitable area (9213 sq. km), followed by P. mechukaensis (6754 sq. km). However, future projections reveal alarming habitat losses ranging from 13.45% to 55.86% across the study area. This study also highlights severe habitat fragmentation throughout the state as viable patches for P. mishmiensis are drastically reduced in size, resulting in many being completely lost and the remaining areas being closer together. However, the P. mechukaensis experiences significant disintegration, resulting in numerous smaller, more dispersed patches within Arunachal Pradesh. Hence, to address these challenges, this study recommends several actions such as genetic assessments to confirm evolutionary relationships, evaluations of corridor connectivity, and comprehensive field studies. Furthermore, establishing joint forest conservation committees involving local communities, forest personnel, defense forces, naturalists, and scientists are also encouraged. Ultimately, this research provides critical insights for guiding future field studies across Arunachal Pradesh's vast landscapes and supports the development of detailed species management plans to protect these endemic flying squirrels.