Siberian Flying Squirrels in Japan

Filming Flying Squirrels in Super Slow-Motion  

My participation in the mesmerizing Forest episode as a field director provided a rare and thrilling opportunity to encounter extraordinary forest-dwelling mammals from around the globe. Our unwavering commitment, shared with gifted scientists, exceptional cinematographers, and a remarkably resourceful rigger, was to immerse ourselves in the heart of these creatures' worlds. From Gabon's captivating chimpanzees to the breathtaking spectacle of Zambia's immense fruit bat migrations, our aim was to reveal the true essence of their existence. 

Perhaps the most formidable test of this extraordinary project came at its conclusion – the quest to film the enigmatic Siberian flying squirrel within Japan's unspoiled forests. This endeavor was intricately planned to encompass two distinct phases. The depth of winter would provide the backdrop for capturing their awe-inspiring glides in extraordinary slow-motion, while the rebirth of spring would allow us to witness the precious bond between a mother and her precious offspring. My team on this assignment included Domenico Pontillo, whose expertise with the high-speed Phantom camera is unparalleled, and our invaluable local guide, Mai Nishiyama. 

Our journey took us to the island of Hokkaido in January, where snow carpeted the land and the limited daylight hours were often accompanied by temperatures plunging to a frigid -20°C. On some mornings, the penetrating chill seemed to immobilize even the trees themselves. In this frozen landscape, time itself appeared suspended, offering the ideal setting for our slow-motion aspirations. 

Adapting to the Night: The Challenge of Capturing Flying Squirrels in Action 

The challenge, however, became immediately evident at the first nest we attempted to film. Flying squirrels are primarily creatures of the night, venturing from their dens briefly after sunset and returning moments before daybreak. This severely restricted our window for capturing them in any usable light. To make the most of every precious opportunity, Domenico meticulously positioned four cameras, skillfully obtaining numerous images of these captivating creatures. However, the majority of their graceful flights took place high in the dense canopy, rendering them inaccessible to our lenses. 

Then, a stroke of luck arrived when Mai learned from a fellow guide of a nest lower in the trees, where a flurry of activity had been observed. With determination, we quickly gathered our gear and ventured across the island, drawn towards this new, promising location. 

At the newly discovered nest, approximately six squirrels faithfully returned each daybreak for respite. Significantly, this tree was somewhat solitary, with a notable distance to its neighbors. This configuration significantly increased the likelihood that the squirrels would take to the air upon embarking on their nightly explorations for food. 

Capturing Flight: The Art and Challenge of Filming Flying Squirrels 

While these conditions seemed perfect, there's always a degree of unpredictability when filming with high-speed cameras. To achieve success, it's imperative to anticipate the subject's trajectory and velocity to ensure the camera is positioned perfectly and the focus is razor-sharp. 

This required countless hours dedicated to meticulous observation, painstakingly analyzing every subtle nuance of their behavior and endlessly reviewing and re-reviewing Domenico's footage. Of course, the most subtle weather variations could completely disrupt the squirrel's routine, and their movements were astonishingly swift. Each morning, within approximately twenty minutes, the squirrels would arrive from seemingly every direction, with the majority disappearing swiftly back into the sanctuary of their nest. As dusk fell, they were even faster.  

With time growing short, our perseverance finally bore fruit. As the squirrels faded into the deepening darkness, we reviewed our final captured footage with immense anticipation. The results were extraordinary. Witnessing a terrestrial mammal unfurl its membranes, and achieve – even for a fleeting moment – the sensation of flight was simply breathtaking. 

I have a vivid memory of a television commercial that challenged the viewer to contemplate the perception of time. A minute, it proposed, could feel long or short; its duration was purely a matter of what we make of those seconds. Harnessing the remarkable capabilities of a camera capable of slowing action by a factor of 40, we witnessed firsthand how the flying squirrels maximize every precious moment in the air. 

Urgency and Renewal: Protecting Forest Habitats Through Wildlife Filmmaking 

Yet, even amidst our focus on these enchanting creatures, there was an inescapable awareness of a greater urgency. Across the globe, forests are disappearing at an alarming rate, threatening the very existence of these specialized habitats and the extraordinary animals that call them home. Working so intimately on this series fueled a profound and renewed conviction: there's no more time to waste. We must all play a part in making the most of the time we have to protect these vital ecosystems. 

With the promise of springtime on the horizon, the second chapter of our flying squirrel adventure began. Leaving the stark beauty of Hokkaido's snow-laden landscapes, we journeyed southward towards Honshu, the largest of Japan's main islands. Here, in a quiet, sun-dappled woodland, we discovered a hollow nestled deep within the boughs of an ancient oak tree. Whispers from Mai informed us that this humble abode was the carefully chosen nursery for a mother flying squirrel and her soon-to-be-born young. 

Wildlife filmmaking often demands extended periods of both intense action and quiet stillness. Establishing our concealed observation post near the nest, we settled into a rhythm dictated by the squirrels themselves. At first, there was only a hint of movement – a subtle change in the shadows, perhaps, or the faintest of rustles as the expectant mother shifted slightly within her sanctuary. Then, as if choreographed by some unseen force, the activity levels suddenly shifted. 

A Mother's Instinct: Nurturing Young and Navigating the Forest's Challenges 

With the first whisper of light filtering through the leaves, there was a flicker of movement in the depths of the hollow. It was the mother, her sleek form emerging gracefully from her secluded refuge. Hesitating only slightly at the entrance, she launched herself into the air, her outstretched membranes catching the soft breeze as she glided effortlessly to a neighboring tree. And, in that instant, everything changed. 

Moments later, she returned to the nest, but now she was not alone. Clinging tightly to her were three impossibly tiny newborns, their eyes still sealed shut, utterly dependent on their mother's care and protection. While they would not yet attempt their own tentative flights, we were now granted an extraordinary glimpse into their hidden world. 

The mother squirrel, it seemed, moved with a new sense of purpose. Her glides became shorter, her focus clearly on securing provisions for her vulnerable young. Frequently, she would return to the nest, only to re-emerge quickly to continue foraging. On some occasions, faint squeaks signaled the babies' restlessness, and she would then linger within, offering comfort and much-needed nourishment. 

It was mesmerizing to witness the tender care with which she groomed her offspring, her tiny tongue meticulously cleaning their delicate fur. At times, she would almost disappear inside the nest cavity, as though wrapping herself protectively around them. Yet, there was always a sense that she was keenly aware of the world beyond her arboreal sanctuary, her movements marked by a heightened alertness. 

Documenting Growth: From Winter's Frozen Flight to Spring's Nestled Newborns 

With Domenico carefully recording these intimate moments, I found myself reflecting on the remarkable contrast between the two distinct phases of our filming. Winter's frozen landscapes had provided a stunning stage for capturing the sheer power and beauty of the squirrel's flight capabilities. Now, within this nest pulsed the very essence of life itself – fragile, vulnerable, and utterly miraculous. 

As the days warmed and the dappled sunlight grew stronger, a transformation unfolded within the confines of that oak tree hollow. The tiny, helpless newborns quickly began to develop. Their delicate fur, once so sparse, became plush and dense. Their sealed eyes finally opened, revealing a world of rustling leaves and dancing shadows. And perhaps most significantly, those miniature limbs began to gain strength. 

Watching them become more mobile and inquisitive within their nest was truly captivating. They would venture tentatively towards the opening, their large eyes curiously taking in the vast world beyond. Yet, there was still an endearing clumsiness to their every move. A slight miscalculation could send them tumbling momentarily back into the soft bedding provided by their diligent mother. It was both heartwarming and slightly comical to observe. 

First Flight: Young Squirrel Takes the Leap 

The mother squirrel, always the watchful guardian, began to subtly alter her routine as her offspring grew. Occasionally, she would step out onto a nearby branch as if demonstrating a crucial skill for her observant youngsters. Crouching low, she would then propel herself outward, those remarkable membranes catching the air and allowing her to glide gracefully to another perch. It seemed as if airborne instruction sessions were now an essential part of her daily curriculum. 

The challenge for Domenico lay in capturing these first hesitant flights. The babies were unpredictable, their initial airborne expeditions often fleeting and chaotic. Yet, he was determined to immortalize this pivotal stage in their development. Repositioning cameras and carefully adjusting focus settings became a constant activity, as he tirelessly sought to anticipate where the action might unfold. 

Then one afternoon, as the sun began its gentle descent through the trees, it happened. One of the young squirrels, perhaps emboldened by the urging of its siblings, finally found the courage to take the plunge. Launching itself outwards from the nest, it seemed almost surprised by its own mid-air suspension. The flight was short and slightly ungainly, but it was a flight nonetheless! And just like that, a threshold had been crossed. 

Flying Squirrels: Mastering the Art of Survival in the Forest 

Over the following days, the other young followed their bold sibling's lead. Confidence grew with each successive flight, and soon they were exploring the branches surrounding their nest with newfound agility. They still moved with a youthful exuberance that sometimes outpaced their ability, leading to the odd bumpy landing and comical entanglement in the leaves. 

Mai, deeply familiar with these woods and their inhabitants, shared fascinating insights with our team. She explained that predators were an ever-present danger for flying squirrels. Hawks and owls patrolled the forest relentlessly, their keen eyesight ever searching for an easy meal. She also revealed that martens, skilled climbers with a voracious appetite, posed a particular threat to young squirrels venturing beyond their nest's protection. 

This knowledge deepened our appreciation for the risks these young squirrels bravely navigated. Even within the relative safety of the trees, they were never truly secure. Their survival depended on their ability to master the art of gliding, swiftly evading any airborne threats. And somehow, instinct seemed to guide them. They practiced relentlessly, their glides becoming longer and more controlled with each passing day. 

The final scenes we sought to capture involved these now-confident young squirrels joining their mother on nocturnal foraging expeditions. Initially, they stayed close, mimicking her every move and relying on her superior knowledge of the terrain. Yet, a touch of youthful impulsiveness would occasionally emerge. One particularly adventurous squirrel seemed determined to test its limits, venturing further from the group than seemed wise. 

Witnessing Transformation: The Magic of Forest Bathing and Documenting Flying Squirrels 

It's a scene I'll never forget – this young squirrel, silhouetted against the dusky sky, gracefully arcing through the air. We held our collective breath, anticipating its landing. In the end, a tangle of branches halted its flight prematurely, but it emerged unscathed, perhaps a little shaken but with an important lesson learned. 

As our time at this particular nest drew to a close, I couldn't help but feel a mix of both satisfaction and a twinge of sadness. We had been privileged to witness a remarkable transformation – from helpless newborns utterly reliant on their mother to bold young explorers ready to face the wider world. And while the story of this little family would continue, our role in documenting it was over. 

Carefully dismantling our observation post, a task carried out with the utmost respect for the forest and its inhabitants, we prepared for the next stage of our filming journey. It was time to shift our focus to another, vastly different, forest dweller. Yet, the images of those graceful flying squirrels would remain etched in my memory. 

During a quiet moment on the long return journey to Tokyo, I found myself reflecting on a concept that had been highlighted during our time in Japan: the Japanese notion of Shinrin-Yoku, often translated as "forest bathing." It embodies the idea that immersing oneself in nature promotes both physical and mental well-being. Having spent countless hours amidst the trees, I could attest to its transformative power. 

The Role of Storytellers in Preserving Forest Ecosystems 

The forests, however, are not merely a source of solace for humans. They are complex ecosystems, intricate webs of interconnected relationships essential to the health of our planet as a whole. Every creature, from the tiniest insect burrowing in the soil to the majestic predators roaming the canopy, plays a vital role. And their continued survival hangs in a delicate balance. 

As a filmmaker dedicated to the natural world, I've always embraced the role of storyteller. Yet, there's a growing sense of responsibility that accompanies that privilege. We who choose to illuminate these hidden lives must also work to ensure they endure beyond a moment captured on film. And that work extends beyond the filmmaking community. Change starts with awareness, and awareness leads to a sense of collective responsibility and, ultimately, action. 

My experience with the flying squirrels had reinforced the undeniable truth that nature itself is a master storyteller. From the breathless suspense of a squirrel's first leap into the vast unknown to the heart-warming devotion of a mother to her young, these are stories that touch something deep and fundamental within us. They remind us of our interconnectedness with the natural world and awaken a profound desire to protect it. 

Fighting for Forests: Stories of Hope and the Collective Responsibility to Protect 

News headlines all too frequently paint a stark picture – the escalating rates of deforestation, the alarming decline in biodiversity, and the escalating climate crisis fueled in part by the loss of the planet's forests. Yet, stories of hope also exist. There are tireless individuals and dedicated organizations fighting to protect and restore these precious habitats. They recognize that the fate of forests is intimately bound to our own. 

These are the stories that must also be told – stories of communities standing in defense of their ancestral lands, of scientists developing innovative conservation strategies, and of everyday citizens making choices that protect rather than deplete. These are narratives filled with both urgency and the enduring power of the human spirit. 

As we delved into the next chapter of the Forest episode, I was determined to seek out these hopeful threads, to showcase the battles being won alongside the very real challenges faced. For ultimately, the future of these remarkable animals rests not only in our ability to document their lives but in our collective determination to act as their protectors. 

And perhaps, just perhaps, by bearing witness to the wonders of the natural world, others will also be compelled to join the fight. It's a responsibility I believe we all share – to ensure these extraordinary stories and the creatures at their heart continue to unfold for generations to come. 

Capturing the Magic of Forest Ecosystems

The completion of the Forest episode marked a culmination of months of travel, tireless efforts from a dedicated team, and countless fleeting moments of wonder captured on film. From the heart of the Amazon to the soaring redwood forests of California, we had journeyed into diverse ecosystems, each teeming with its own unique cast of forest-dwelling characters. Yet, one theme resonated throughout: the interconnectedness of it all. 

The images of the Siberian flying squirrels in their Japanese forests would forever hold a special place in my memory. Their enchanting glides, painstakingly recorded in slow motion, served as a powerful reminder of both the extraordinary adaptations found in nature and its underlying fragility. The intimate scenes within the nest cavity spoke to the enduring bonds of family and the cycle of life that plays out even in the most hidden corners of the forest. 

During those long months of filming, my appreciation deepened for the tireless work of conservationists around the world. They labor on the front lines in the fight to safeguard these precious habitats. They are often faced with overwhelming challenges: encroaching development, the insidious impact of climate change, and the ever-present threat of poaching and illegal logging. Yet, their resilience and unwavering dedication provide a constant source of inspiration. 

Their work is not simply about protecting individual species, though that itself is vital. It's about a holistic approach, recognizing that the health of an ecosystem ripples outward, ultimately impacting us all. Forests play a crucial role in regulating the climate, purifying our water, and providing countless resources that enrich human lives. Their loss reverberates in ways both tangible and unseen. 

Fostering a Global Commitment to Conservation

The Forest episode, when it finally aired around the world, was more than just visually stunning and scientifically accurate footage. We aimed to weave in narratives of hope, showcasing the successes being achieved by communities and conservation organizations. We wanted to provide not merely a spectacle for viewers but to spark a sense of urgency and a sense of agency – the belief that individual actions, when combined, can create meaningful change. 

The response was beyond anything we'd anticipated. Letters and messages arrived from people of all ages and backgrounds, expressing both awe and a renewed determination to make choices that support rather than degrade our planet. Teachers wrote to share how the program had ignited a passion for conservation in their young students. And perhaps most heartening of all, numerous individuals reached out seeking ways to support the organizations we'd highlighted in the episode, determined to contribute to ongoing conservation efforts. 

Conclusion 

And so, while our work filming those elusive flying squirrels might be complete, the story doesn't end there. My hope is that those images, etched in memory and shared around the world, serve as a potent reminder. We have a shared responsibility to safeguard these places, not just as treasure troves of biodiversity, but because our very own futures depend on it. 

The natural world has an astounding capacity for resilience. But that resilience isn't something to be taken for granted. It's time for us all to play our part. Whether it's supporting conservation efforts, advocating for sustainable policies, or simply making small changes in our daily lives, there are countless ways to ensure these extraordinary habitats and the creatures who call them home survive and thrive.