Despite its name, it’s neither a lemur nor capable of true flight—it belongs to an ancient group of gliding mammals called colugos, and it’s the only species of colugo found in the Philippines. What makes it so distinct is its remarkable gliding ability. A thin membrane of skin stretches from its neck to the tips of its fingers, toes, and even tail, forming what looks like a living parachute. This allows the kagwang to glide silently through the forest canopy for distances of up to 100 meters (328 feet) in a single leap, making it one of the most skilled gliders in the mammal world.

Unlike bats that flap their wings, the Philippine flying lemur relies entirely on passive gliding. Once it launches from a tree trunk, it spreads out its patagium (the gliding membrane), catching air like a kite. Its large eyes give it excellent night vision, since it is primarily nocturnal, coming out after sunset to feed on leaves, young shoots, flowers, and fruits. With a diet that is strictly herbivorous, it plays a crucial role in the forest as a gentle gardener, helping with seed dispersal and keeping vegetation cycles in balance.

The Philippine flying lemur also has several quirks that make it unique among mammals. For one, it is an extremely dedicated climber but a clumsy walker—it clings tightly to tree trunks with its sharp claws and rarely comes to the ground. Its camouflage is another survival trick: the mottled brown and gray fur blends seamlessly with tree bark, making it almost invisible to predators. Reproduction is equally unusual. Mothers carry their tiny young clinging to the underside of their body, protected by folds of skin like a natural pouch, not unlike a marsupial’s.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Philippines

LC

2008