Day 3

Social Structure:

Live in packs or solo: Southern flying squirrels can live both solitarily and in groups. They tend to be more social during the winter months, forming communal nests to conserve warmth.

Roles within the community: There is no strict hierarchy or specialized roles within their groups. However, older individuals may dominate younger ones in securing nesting sites.

Male or Female led groups: Groups are not led by a specific gender. The social structure is relatively egalitarian.

Individuals that make up the group: Groups typically consist of related females and their offspring, with males usually being more solitary, especially during the breeding season.

How do they interact with each other: Interaction involves mutual grooming, sharing nesting sites, and cooperative defense of the nest. Vocalizations and physical gestures are used for communication.

Reproduction:

How often do they mate: Southern flying squirrels typically have two breeding seasons per year, one in late winter (February-March) and one in late summer (July-August).

How many mates do they have: They are generally polygynous, where males mate with multiple females.

Time of year for mating: Mating occurs primarily in late winter and late summer.

Mating rituals: Mating involves vocalizations and chasing behaviors, where males compete for the attention of females.

Number of offspring produced at a time: Litters usually consist of 2-7 young, with an average of about 3-4.

Any unique characteristics of their mating: Males have enlarged testicles during the breeding season, which is a unique characteristic aiding in reproductive competition.

Development:

Stages of development: 

Neonates: Born hairless and blind, weighing about 3 grams.

Juveniles: Start developing fur within a week, eyes open at about 24-30 days.

Sub-adults: Begin to glide at about 5 weeks and start foraging with their mother.

Adults: Fully independent at around 8-10 weeks.

How old before sexual maturity: Sexual maturity is reached at around 12 months for both males and females.

Activities and environment of stages: 

Neonates and Juveniles: Stay in the nest, nurtured by the mother.

Sub-adults: Gradually explore outside the nest, learning to forage and glide.

Adults: Fully independent, establishing their own territories or joining communal nests.

Difference between males and females: Males tend to disperse more widely than females, who often stay close to their natal nest. Males also exhibit more map pronounced seasonal testes enlargement