Shimla, Apr 07 UNI) In a thrilling discovery that’s sure to excite animal lovers and zoologists alike, the elusive and near-mythical Woolly Flying Squirrel (Eupetaurus cinereus) has been photographed for the first time in Himachal Pradesh. The rare gliding mammal, once thought extinct, was captured on camera in the remote Miyar Valley of the Lahaul and Spiti district—one of India’s most pristine and least-disturbed high-altitude ecosystems. This remarkable find came during a camera trapping survey conducted between October 10 and December 4, 2024, as part of the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) initiative. The Forest Department of Himachal Pradesh, in collaboration with the Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF), installed 62 strategically placed camera traps across the rugged Himalayan terrain. Their goal was to assess snow leopard populations, but they ended up uncovering much more. Among the various species caught on camera—snow leopards, red foxes, Himalayan wolves, and mountain weasels—stood the stunning surprise: the Woolly Flying Squirrel. This large, nocturnal glider is native to the north-western Himalayas and is known for its dense fur and broad, furry membranes that allow it to glide from tree to tree. It had vanished from scientific records for nearly 70 years until it was rediscovered in 1994, and its presence in Himachal Pradesh has now been officially confirmed for the first time. "This is a monumental moment for wildlife conservation in India," said a spokesperson from the Forest Department. "The Woolly Flying Squirrel is not only rare but also extremely difficult to detect due to its elusive nature and preference for high-altitude cliffside habitats above the tree line." The discovery is the result of a unique collaboration between conservation scientists and local communities. A dedicated team of trained youth from Kibber village in Spiti, active in wildlife monitoring since 2010, played a key role in the survey. Their efforts were further supported by a conservationist from Lahaul, known for his long-standing commitment to protecting regional fauna. The Miyar Valley, already recognized as a habitat for the iconic snow leopard and Himalayan ibex, now adds another jewel to its ecological crown. Experts believe this documentation not only underscores the valley’s rich and fragile biodiversity but also highlights the importance of continued scientific exploration and grassroots conservation. "Although mammals are among the most studied taxon groups, the ecology of nocturnal arboreal mammalian ecology remains understudied . Due to knowledge gaps, nocturnal arboreal mammals, such as gliding squirrels, are underrepresented in conservation action plans "Reserch Gate journal predicted about the new animal. To wildlife lovers this opens new avenues to study one of the world’s largest gliding mammals in a previously undocumented range. And for nature lovers, it's a reminder that our mountains still hold secrets—waiting quietly among the cliffs, forests, and stars...////...