Squirrel Glider

Petaurus norfolcensis

The Squirrel Glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) is a fascinating and agile marsupial native to eastern Australia. This nocturnal creature is known for its remarkable ability to glide between trees, thanks to a specialized membrane of skin called the patagium that stretches from its wrist to its ankle. Adult Squirrel Gliders typically weigh between 230 to 300 grams and measure around 40-50 centimeters in length, including their bushy tails which assist with balance and maneuverability during flight.

Possessing a soft, grey to brownish-grey fur, Squirrel Gliders exhibit lighter underbellies and striking dark stripes running from the eyes to the back. Their large eyes are adapted for night vision, aiding in their quest for food. Their diet consists primarily of nectar, pollen, insects, and tree sap, making them important pollinators within their ecosystem.

Squirrel Gliders inhabit open forests and woodlands, relying on old trees with hollows for nesting and shelter. Social animals by nature, they tend to live in family groups. However, habitat destruction poses a significant threat to their populations, as it reduces their available living space and resources. Conservation efforts are critical to preserving these unique gliders and their habitats, ensuring they continue to thrive in their native environments.