{"id":5537,"date":"2020-01-14T15:36:20","date_gmt":"2020-01-14T15:36:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/?p=5537"},"modified":"2020-02-04T16:48:48","modified_gmt":"2020-02-04T16:48:48","slug":"siberian-flying-squirrel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/14\/siberian-flying-squirrel\/","title":{"rendered":"Secret Squirrel"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3>The Siberian flying squirrel (<em>Pteromys volans<\/em>) is one of Europe&#8217;s rarest and most endangered mammals, and is declining across its range in Finland, Latvia and Russia, as well as in Estonia. Photographer Nick Upton has spent some very long days (and nights) in the field capturing some rare images of this unusual and engaging creature in an Estonian forest.<\/h3>\n<p>Widespread in Estonia less than 20 years ago, it is now found only in Viruuma county, with little over 100 records in the last 10 years. Biologist Uudo Timm,\u00a0of the Estonian Environment Agency, is fighting hard to help reverse this trend, as Nick Upton found out.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery gallery-5537 style-standard'><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/01613884-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/01613884-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/01613884-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/01613884-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/01613884-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/01613884.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/01613884-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/01613884-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/01613884-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/01613884-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/01613884-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/01613884-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) peering out of nest hole in old Aspen (Populus tremula) tree. Mature mixed forest, near Lisaku, Estonia. April.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/01637779-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/01637779-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/01637779-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/01637779-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/01637779-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/01637779.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/01637779-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/01637779-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/01637779-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/01637779-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/01637779-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/01637779-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) wearing a radiocollar hangs on the trunk of a Downy birch tree (Betula pubescens) near its nest hole in mature mixed forest, near Iisaku, Estonia, April.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .gallery -->\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>The Need For Mature Forests<\/h3>\n<p>Siberian flying squirrels (<em>Pteromys volans<\/em>) live in mature forests with a mixture of old aspen and birch among the fir trees. Only small pockets of suitable habitat remain in Estonia, and even these are surrounded by clear-felled areas and younger monocultures of firs, which can\u2019t support squirrel populations.<\/p>\n<p>Old forests are vital for the squirrels\u2019 survival as they provide both food and habitat. Aspen and birch catkins are important spring foods for the squirrels, and old deciduous Aspens with rotten, hollow cores (created by Aspen polypore fungus) are important as nesting sites.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-2' class='gallery gallery-5537 style-standard'><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613887-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Lisaku Park Forest from above, a mix of mature Fir (Abies sp) trees, Birch (Betula sp) and Eurasian aspen (Populus tremula). Forest host to Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans). Estonia.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613887-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613887-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613887-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613887-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613887.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613887-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613887-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613887-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613887-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613887-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613887-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Lisaku Park Forest from above, a mix of mature Fir (Abies sp) trees, Birch (Betula sp) and Eurasian aspen (Populus tremula). Forest host to Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans). Estonia.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon portrait'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613914-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Eurasian aspen (Populus tremula) catkins, major food souce for Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans). Lisaku Park Forest, Estonia. April.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613914-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613914-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613914-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Eurasian aspen (Populus tremula) catkins, major food souce for Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans). Lisaku Park Forest, Estonia. April.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613915-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Aspen (Populus tremula) with Aspen trunk rot \/ False tinder conk mushroom (Phellinus tremulae). Trees with rotten cores provide ideal nest holes for the Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans). Muraka Forest Reserve, near Lisaku, Estonia. April.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613915-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613915-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613915-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613915-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613915.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613915-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613915-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613915-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613915-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613915-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613915-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Aspen (Populus tremula) with Aspen trunk rot \/ False tinder conk mushroom (Phellinus tremulae). Trees with rotten cores provide ideal nest holes for the Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans). Muraka Forest Reserve, near Lisaku, Estonia. April.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .gallery -->\n\n<h3>The Search for Squirrel Scat<\/h3>\n<p>Photographing these shy creatures posed several challenges as Nick explains, &#8216;the squirrels tend to emerge from their nests at night to feed, gliding from tree to tree on flaps of skin stretched between their legs.\u00a0They do sometimes emerge briefly during the day, to relieve themselves, giving patient photographers a brief chance to photograph them in the daylight.&#8217;<\/p>\n<p>One of the signs a tree is inhabited by squirrels is a pile of distinctive droppings at the base of the tree. Biologist Uudo Timm, who has been studying the flying squirrel for over 30 years, searches for these piles to\u00a0record their presence.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-3' class='gallery gallery-5537 style-standard'><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613883-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) fitted with radiocollar on Aspen (Populus tremula) trunk near nest hole. Mature mixed forest, near Lisaku, Estonia. April 2018.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613883-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613883-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613883-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613883-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613883.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613883-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613883-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613883-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613883-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613883-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613883-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) fitted with radiocollar on Aspen (Populus tremula) trunk near nest hole. Mature mixed forest, near Lisaku, Estonia. April 2018.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613902-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Researcher collecting Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) droppings below an old deciduous tree with an occupied nest hole. Muraka Forest Reserve, near Lisaku, Estonia.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613902-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613902-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613902-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613902-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613902.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613902-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613902-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613902-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613902-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613902-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613902-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Researcher collecting Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) droppings below an old deciduous tree with an occupied nest hole. Muraka Forest Reserve, near Lisaku, Estonia.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613922-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) droppings. Found below an old deciduous tree with nest hole. Muraka Forest Reserve, near Lisaku, Estonia. April.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613922-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613922-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613922-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613922-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613922.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613922-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613922-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613922-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613922-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613922-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613922-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) droppings. Found below an old deciduous tree with nest hole. Muraka Forest Reserve, near Lisaku, Estonia. April.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613924-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Researcher labelling collection tube of Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) droppings. Droppings found below old deciduous tree with suitable nest hole. Muraka Forest Reserve, near Lisaku, Ida Virumaa, Estonia.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613924-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613924-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613924-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613924-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613924.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613924-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613924-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613924-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613924-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613924-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613924-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Researcher labelling collection tube of Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) droppings. Droppings found below old deciduous tree with suitable nest hole. Muraka Forest Reserve, near Lisaku, Ida Virumaa, Estonia.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .gallery -->\n\n<h3>More Valuable than Gold&#8230;<\/h3>\n<p>To Uudo, these droppings are more valuable than gold, as he can use them as evidence to gain a preservation order on the surrounding forest, barring tree-felling within 25 metres of occupied trees. On one occasion, he found flying squirrel droppings in privately owned woodland and it led to the landowner being prevented from felling an estimated \u20ac1 million worth of timber! Fortunately, some foresters\u00a0favour sustainable piecemeal harvesting of woodland, and see benefits in owning more diverse forests, where ecotourism such as bear-watching now offers them a new income stream.\u00a0But others refer to the flying squirrel as the \u2018grey rat\u2019 and resent Uudo&#8217;s work recording them, as it prevents them from clear felling forests.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-4' class='gallery gallery-5537 style-standard'><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon portrait'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613906-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Researcher examining Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) droppings. Mature mixed forest, near Lisaku, Estonia.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613906-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613906-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613906-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Researcher examining Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) droppings. Mature mixed forest, near Lisaku, Estonia.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon portrait'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613923-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) droppings in moss. Found underneath old deciduous tree with an occupied nest hole. Lisaku Park Forest, Estonia. April.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613923-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613923-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613923-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) droppings in moss. Found underneath old deciduous tree with an occupied nest hole. Lisaku Park Forest, Estonia. April.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613891-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Mixed wet woodland including Aspen (Populus tremula) and Downy birch (Betula pubescens). Inhabited by rare surviving Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) population. Near Lisaku, Estonia.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613891-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613891-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613891-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613891-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613891.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613891-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613891-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613891-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613891-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613891-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613891-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Mixed wet woodland including Aspen (Populus tremula) and Downy birch (Betula pubescens). Inhabited by rare surviving Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) population. Near Lisaku, Estonia.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .gallery -->\n\n<p>Without protection, large swathes of forest can be clear felled. Not far from one of Uudo\u2019s study sites, felling is evident. Piles of old aspen can be seen beside a forest track, with hollow cavities\u00a0ideal for squirrels to make their homes.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-5' class='gallery gallery-5537 style-standard'><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613886-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Felled trees stacked beside forestry track through mixed forest. A few metres outside protected limits of Muraka Forest Reserve, a remaining habitat of Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans). Estonia.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613886-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613886-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613886-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613886-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613886.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613886-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613886-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613886-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613886-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613886-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613886-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Felled trees stacked beside forestry track through mixed forest. A few metres outside protected limits of Muraka Forest Reserve, a remaining habitat of Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans). Estonia.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613918-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Felled Aspen (Populus tremula) trees with tit nests in hollows. Treeholes suitable for Siberan flying squirrel (Pteromys volans). Near Lisaku, Estonia.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613918-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613918-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613918-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613918-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613918.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613918-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613918-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613918-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613918-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613918-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613918-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Felled Aspen (Populus tremula) trees with tit nests in hollows. Treeholes suitable for Siberan flying squirrel (Pteromys volans). Near Lisaku, Estonia.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .gallery -->\n\n<p>To provide more nest sites for flying squirrels, Uudo installs nest boxes &#8211; with help from local forester Toomas Rennel. The squirrels prefer nest holes they can only just squeeze\u00a0into,\u00a0as this prevents pine martens, a major predator, also gaining entry. For the same reason, they prefer thick wood that isn&#8217;t easily chewed through, but the ideal home is an old tree.<\/p>\n<p>Uudo uses trail cameras to record squirrels coming and going from his nest boxes and natural tree holes. He also sets a unique kind of trap to catch hole-nesting squirrels as they emerge at night, and\u00a0is thrilled when he catches one, knowing how much he can learn from it.\u00a0Once it\u2019s out of the trap, Uudo\u00a0holds the squirrel, while field assistant Kylle Kiristaja deftly attaches a radio collar.\u00a0Uudo\u2019s team\u00a0can then radio track\u00a0the squirrels to find out more about how territorial females and wider ranging males use the forest.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-6' class='gallery gallery-5537 style-standard'><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613899-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Researchers carrying ladder and nest boxes for Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans). Mature mixed forest, Estonia.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613899-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613899-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613899-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613899-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Researchers carrying ladder and nest boxes for Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans). Mature mixed forest, Estonia.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon portrait'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613898-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Researchers fitting Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) nest box to tree. Mature mixed forest, Estonia.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613898-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613898-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613898-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Researchers fitting Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) nest box to tree. Mature mixed forest, Estonia.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613895-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Forester hanging Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) nest box in mature mixed forest, Estonia. April 2018.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613895-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613895-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613895-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613895-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Forester hanging Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) nest box in mature mixed forest, Estonia. April 2018.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613909-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Researcher reviewing trailcam footage on laptop of Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) emerging from nest hole in Aspen (Populus tremula) tree at night. Mature mixed forest, near Lisaku, Estonia.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613909-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613909-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613909-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613909-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Researcher reviewing trailcam footage on laptop of Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) emerging from nest hole in Aspen (Populus tremula) tree at night. Mature mixed forest, near Lisaku, Estonia.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613907-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Researcher inspecting a Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) caught in trap on old Aspen (Populus tremula) tree with occupied nest hole. Muraka Forest Reserve, near Lisaku, Estonia.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613907-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613907-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613907-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613907-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613907.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613907-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613907-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613907-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613907-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613907-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613907-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Researcher inspecting a Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) caught in trap on old Aspen (Populus tremula) tree with occupied nest hole. Muraka Forest Reserve, near Lisaku, Estonia.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613911-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Research team preparing to radio collar Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) caught in a trap. Muraka Forest Reserve, near Lisaku, Estonia.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613911-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613911-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613911-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613911-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Research team preparing to radio collar Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) caught in a trap. Muraka Forest Reserve, near Lisaku, Estonia.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613885-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Researcher examining and sexing Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) prior to fitting radio collar. Muraka Forest Reserve, near Lisaku, Estonia.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613885-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613885-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613885-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613885-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613885.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613885-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613885-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613885-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613885-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613885-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613885-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Researcher examining and sexing Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) prior to fitting radio collar. Muraka Forest Reserve, near Lisaku, Estonia.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613894-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Researcher fitting radio collar on Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) caught in mature mixed forest at night. Near Lisaku, Estonia.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613894-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613894-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613894-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613894-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613894.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613894-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613894-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613894-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613894-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613894-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613894-159x106.jpg 159w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Researcher fitting radio collar on Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) caught in mature mixed forest at night. Near Lisaku, Estonia.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure><figure class='gallery-item col-0'><div class='gallery-icon landscape'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613889-360x240.jpg\" class=\"attachment-three-two size-three-two\" alt=\"Researcher radio tracking radio collared Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans). Mature mixed forest, Muraka Forest Reseve, near Lisaku, Estonia.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613889-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613889-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613889-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01613889-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"100vw\" title=\"Researcher radio tracking radio collared Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans). Mature mixed forest, Muraka Forest Reseve, near Lisaku, Estonia.\" \/><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .gallery -->\n\n<p>Thanks to Uudo&#8217;s work, much more is now known about the flying squirrel, and how crucial old forests are to their survival. Uudo now also campaigns for\u00a0corridors of forest with trees at least 15 metres tall to be left between surviving fragments of forest to facilitate squirrel movement, and also for\u00a0a wide age range of aspen and birch to be allowed to develop in woodland to aid with the dispersal of young squirrels.\u00a0A major new EU LIFE project is now funding further work on, and forest conservation for, flying squirrels in Estonia and Finland. This remarkable animal remains highly endangered, but much valuable effort is going into learning more about it and how to protect it.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/stock-photo\/siberian-flying-squirrel-in-flight-pteromys-volans-finland\/search\/detail-0_21045250.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5620\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/21045250-300x196.jpg\" alt=\"Siberian flying squirrel in flight {Pteromys volans} Finland\" width=\"1000\" height=\"652\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/21045250-300x196.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/21045250-150x98.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/21045250-768x501.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/21045250.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/21045250-320x209.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/21045250-375x245.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/21045250-600x391.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/21045250-900x587.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/21045250-162x106.jpg 162w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-5556\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01533386-300x291.jpg\" alt=\"Portrait of wildlife photographer and filmmaker Nick Upton\" width=\"200\" height=\"194\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01533386-300x291.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01533386-150x145.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01533386-768x745.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01533386.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01533386-320x310.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01533386-375x364.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01533386-600x582.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01533386-900x873.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/01533386-109x106.jpg 109w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/>\n<p><span>Nick Upton has been fascinated by nature of all kinds since he was very young and began photographing it as a teenager. He trained as a biologist and then worked at Oxford University before making many wildlife films for the BBC, other major broadcasters and the RSPB, and has concentrated on shooting\u00a0<\/span>wildlife stills and video clips in recent years. He photographs a wide variety of subjects and specialises\u00a0in documenting wildlife conservation (such as mammal, amphibian, eel and swift conservation and the reintroduction of cranes and beavers to the UK), combining shots of wildlife and animal\/people interactions.<\/p>\n<p>Click <a href=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/-photographers\/s-z\/upton-nick.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a> to see a full gallery of Nick&#8217;s work.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Siberian flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) is one of Europe&#8217;s rarest and most endangered mammals, and is declining across its range in Finland, Latvia and Russia, as well as in Estonia. Photographer Nick Upton has spent some very long days (and nights) in the field capturing some rare images of this unusual and engaging creature&#8230;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/14\/siberian-flying-squirrel\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" class=\"button\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[4,6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5537","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-stories","category-photographers"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5537"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5537"}],"version-history":[{"count":40,"href":"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5537\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6004,"href":"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5537\/revisions\/6004"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5537"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5537"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.naturepl.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5537"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}