Woolly Flying Squirrel one of the rarest mammals in the world.

The Giant woolly flying squirrel (Eupetaurus cinereus) is least known and one of the rarest animals in the world, having the endangered status (IUCN, 2006). The species was originally known from a few specimens collected in northern Pakistan and Sikkim (Nowak 1999). Before 1994 many authorities considered it to be extinct from whole its range. In 1994, specimens were captured in the Sai Valley, Gorabad, and Balti Gali, all in northern Pakistan. This attempt was rediscovery of the animal in Northern areas of Pakistan. Currently, animal is known only from a very small region around Nanga Parbat, Pakistan. Dry temperate forests associated with cliffs and caves are its preferred habitat which is a unique biological region of Himalayan mountain ranges.

Woolly habitat in Upper Neelum Valley.

Neelum valley lies in western Himalayan mountain forests which are considered as Biodiversity hotspot a global priority for the conservation. Shounthar area which is part of Upper Neelum Valley lies with in the same eco-region and considered to be host a viable population of this species. Due to the remoteness and inaccessibility of area, no scientific study was conducted in this area in past. It is assumed that the Population of this species in valley is declining due to habitat fragmentation, population isolation through the anthropogenic factors like deforestation, over grazing and unsustainable use of alpine pastures. Lake of awareness among the local community about the sustainable use of natural resources is the major cause of this habitat degradation.

Through this project, efforts will be made to conserve the population of Woolly Flying Squirrel in Upper Neelum valley (Shounthar area). The target will be achieved through Conservation based awareness to local community and school going children. Capacity building of the field staff of Wildlife Department, about latest biodiversity conservation concepts, status of high altitudinal mountain habitat and also the status of relevant endangered/ threatened wildlife species will improve their knowledge about survey techniques, data collection and recent issues in biodiversity conservation. Data will be collected on the population density, distribution, habitat use and threats to Woolly Flying Squirrel in the project area. Collected information will be analysed to assess the current population status and threats to Woolly Flying Squirrel. Results will be shared with local community to mobilize them for the conservation of natural resources especially Woolly Flying Squirrel.

Wildlife training imparted to the field staff wildlife department through which they will gain knowledge School children and local community will be sensitized regarding the Woolly Flying Squirrel habitat leading to the conservation of this endangered species. Awareness material like posters, brochures, pamphlets and news articles will create general awareness about the values of biodiversity. Custodian attitude in local community regarding wildlife and whole natural resources will be developed.

Conservation of Woolly Flying Squirrel through these conservation measures will play a long lasting impact on the conservation of this species and also on other endangered species of this high altitudinal mountain area. As a result of this project it is expected that the awareness to students and to the community will have a result to change the attitude of the community towards the importance of biodiversity. Custodian attitude towards biodiversity in the area will be developed and will contribute towards the conservation of the nature resources in this area.