Calling activity of indian giant flying squirrel (Petaurista philippensis Elliot, 1839) in the tropical deciduous forests, India

Abstract

The calling behaviour of Petaurista philippensis was studied from March 2009 to February 2010, in the tropical deciduous forests of the Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan, India. Surveys were conducted from the dusk or 1900 hr to 0600 hr. A total of 268 call bouts were recorded. Call frequency was highest in March 2009. The most vocal periods were midnight and early night, just before entering into the nest cavities. Annual, seasonal and daily call frequencies were insignificant ( P > 0.05) between male and female. 5-10 min call bout category contained highest account (40%). Calling was mostly performed in the mid canopy area of the trees. Perch height was found positively related to tree height.