Chinese Flying Squirrels Develop Innovative Nut Storage Technique
Flying squirrels in China have developed a unique way of storing nuts by chewing grooves in them and wedging them between tree branches. This behavior was observed in two species of flying squirrels in the tropical rainforests of Hainan Island. The researchers found that the nuts stored in this way did not germinate even after three and a half months, suggesting that this technique may preserve the nuts for longer than burying them in the moist forest floor. The study sheds light on how animals adapt to environmental challenges.