Flying Squirrel LIFE – Recommendations to develop better future for the flying squirrel in Europe

The flying squirrel (Pteromys volans L.) is an endangered arboreal species in Europe, and its highest threat is habitat loss linked to various uses of forests. As the flying squirrel typically prefers mature and old mixed forests, which have a high monetary value, conflicts of interest are inevitable and unavoidable. In the EU, the flying squirrel lives in Finland and Estonia, where the species is strictly protected by the legislation. However, the implementation of the legislation to practice seems to have serious challenges as the situation of the species remains endangered. These recommendations suggest activities and solutions, with which the future of the flying squirrel could be better safeguarded. Recommendations have been developed via discussions between partners in the Flying Squirrel LIFE project 2018-2024 and made separately to Estonian and Finnish conditions. In both countries, the importance of safeguarding suitable habitat and moving connections to maintain functional habitat networks in space and time is highlighted. Recommendations focus especially on the clear guidance, development of monitoring and applying the most effective conservation practices, data availability and environmental education, but also to fluent and fair ways for landowners to participate in the conservation of the flying squirrel.