Red and White Giant Flying Squirrel Found In China

The red and white giant flying squirrel (Petaurista alborufus) is a species of flying squirrel, endemic to central and southern China as well as Taiwan.

Gliding is accomplished with the help of a parachute-like membrane called a patagium. Before taking off, flying squirrels bob and rotate their heads to gauge the route, and then leap into the air, spreading their patagia between cartilaginous spurs on their wrists and ankles. Small adjustments to these spurs give them some control over their speed and direction.