Gyeonggi Province Releases Four Rescued Siberian Flying Squirrels Back into the Wild

Release of Four Young Siberian Flying Squirrels, Class II Endangered Wild Species
Wildlife Experts Conduct Ecological Research and Monitoring of Flying Squirrels

The Northern Gyeonggi Wildlife Rescue and Management Center (hereinafter referred to as the Rescue Center) announced on the 28th that it released four Siberian flying squirrels, which are Natural Monuments and Class II Endangered Wild Species, back into the wild on the 25th.

Gyeonggi Province released four Siberian flying squirrels, a Class II endangered wild species, back into the wild on the 25th. Provided by Gyeonggi Province

The released flying squirrels were young offspring discovered near Cheonmasan Mountain in Namyangju in April.

They were rescued following a report from local residents after being separated from their mother and isolated in a residential area. At the time of rescue, they showed mild symptoms of exhaustion, but thanks to the Rescue Center's swift intervention and professional treatment, they were able to recover their health.

For about three months, the Rescue Center provided a variety of foods such as nuts, berries, fruits, and leaf buds, and created an aviary for gliding practice to enhance their survival skills in the wild through intensive care. As a result, the flying squirrels, which weighed only 30 grams at the time of rescue, grew healthily to 80 grams and were able to return to the wild.

The Rescue Center also participated in wildlife ecology research in collaboration with university specialists.

Together with the Kangwon National University Wildlife Research Laboratory, they observed the ultrasonic vocalizations and behavioral patterns of the flying squirrels in captivity. In cooperation with the Ewha Womans University Ecological Restoration Engineering Laboratory, they conducted a habitat suitability assessment for the planned release site and ultimately selected a location where the flying squirrels could sufficiently adapt in the wild as the final release site.

For the release, the wooden nest used in the aviary at the Center was installed in the forest near the original discovery site, allowing the flying squirrels to adapt stably in their natural environment.

Lee Yeonsook, Director of Animal Welfare at Gyeonggi Province, stated, "We are glad that the young flying squirrels could return to nature in good health thanks to the residents' prompt rescue request and the Rescue Center's professional treatment. We will continue to create an ecosystem where animals and people coexist through professional and systematic management."