Himalayan large-eared flying squirrel (Priapomys leonardi) is a species of flying squirrel in the family Sciuridae. It is the only member of the genus Priapomys.
Taxonomy
The species was originally described in 1921 by British zoologist Oldfield Thomas as Pteromys leonardi, based on a single specimen collected in Myanmar. For over 90 years, this remained the only known record of the taxon. It was subsequently treated as a subspecies of the particolored flying squirrel (Hylopetes alboniger) under the name H. a. leonardi, and some taxonomic authorities even considered it synonymous with H. alboniger.
In surveys conducted from 2014 to 2016 (results published in 2021), several flying squirrels morphologically similar to the original specimen were collected on Mount Gaoligong in Yunnan Province, China. Genetic analysis revealed that these specimens not only represented a distinct species but also belonged to a separate genus, most closely related to Iomys, a genus of flying squirrel restricted to Sundaland. The new genus was named Priapomys after the Greek fertility god Priapus, in reference to the notably large glans penis of males of this species. Priapomys and Iomys are thought to have diverged during the mid-Miocene.
Description
The Himalayan large-eared flying squirrel has a larger external ear than most other flying squirrels and possesses a less-developed uropatagium (the membrane between the hind limbs and tail). It can also be distinguished by differences in the development of its cheek teeth and by its larger glans penis.
Distribution and Habitat
The species is found in southwestern Yunnan Province, China, and adjoining areas of northern Myanmar (Kachin State). In 2024, it was also officially recorded in Xizang (Tibet), China, extending its known distribution range.
Conservation
Due to its small body size, this species is not actively hunted or poached. However, it is indiscriminately caught in traps set for hunting meat by visiting herb collectors, and it has been observed being sold in wet markets near Mount Gaoligong. Despite its relatively small range, the species is not thought to be extremely threatened, and it has been proposed that it be classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
