Flying Squirrels
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Increase range as indicator of connectivity
Data collection in progress
Koitajoki Watershed
Finland
Problem: Few old growth boreal forests are left in the Koitajoki watershed, particularly forests that act as wildlife corridors on the edge of peatlands and lakes, which play important roles for biodiversity. They have been replaced primarily by monoculture forests used for timber production.
Action: Snowchange has been identifying forest patches suitable for protection and natural regeneration. Under this approach, animals will be able to freely use this area without being disturbed by logging, and the quality of the forest patch will continue to improve as the forest patch is left to naturally mature, or to be actively restored through the removal of invasive plants species and the addition of decaying wood. This approach will connect old-growth patches, addressing issues of habitat loss fragmentation in the project area.
Indicator: The flying squirrel is an indicator of connectivity because it prefers old-growth forest habitat, living in large and tall trees, using standing dead trees (snags) for nesting, and using continuous canopy for movement. The increased distribution of this species will indicate increased connectivity of a protected, undisturbed and maturing forest network.
Methods
Use of corridors by flying squirrel will be confirmed by the presence of flying squirrels droppings in each established corridor being monitored. Data will be collected every April to early May in the late snow cover period, when droppings are visible (they are yellow-brown and stand out from the late snow and reflect seasonal food such as pollen from catkins used for sustenance). The squirrels are active at this time and use their droppings as inter-species communication. Data collection will entail skiing or snow-shoeing an entire corridor and checking for signs of flying squirrel by all aspens and other nearby deciduous trees, as well as mature spruce trees (over 100 years old). Deciduous trees, especially aspen, are central as feeding habitats and nesting areas for the squirrel. Surveys will occur in three corridors: Lietoja, Keljonsuo-Koskutkangas and Havukkakallio. Data will be reported annually.
An old-growth habitat , typical of where flying squirrels may be spotted. Photo: Snowchange.
Results
Since the project start in 2022, almost 100 ha of strategically placed corridors have been formally agreed to be protected and set aside for wildlife. The first flying squirrel surveys are planned to begin in spring 2024; this page will be updated when there is data to share.
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