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Common Name:
Glider - Squirrel
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Squirrel Glider
Photo: Rebecca Durham
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Common Name:  Glider - Squirrel

Other Common Names:  Flying Possum

Scientific Name:  Petaurus norfolcensis  (Full Taxonomy)

Group:  

Origin or Range:  Australia and New Guinea

Relative Size:  Smaller Than Average  
    (as compared to other marsupials)

Average Lifespan:  ??? year(s)

Compatibility:  Uncertain   
    (as compared to other marsupials)

Category:  Mammals » Marsupials
Animal Description:  

The Squirrel Glider, also known as the Flying Possum, is one of the larger Gliders. They are native to Australia and New Guinea. Squirrel Gliders are very rare and are on the threatened animals list.

Like the more common Sugar Glider, the Squirrel Glider "glides" by means of a gliding membrane that extends from the fifth finger to the first toe and folds against the body when at rest. In the wild, they live in small family groups and are fiercely territorial. The groups are marked by the scent gland at the top of the dominant male's head, and they are very aggressive towards other Squirrel Gliders who intrude on their domain. Squirrel Gliders make a variety of calls, including a soft yapping and a gurgling sound that is made when they are disturbed. In the wild, Squirrel Gliders feed primarily off of insects and grubs, although when insects are hard to find they also eat the sap of gum and wattle trees and various seeds and fruits. The Squirrel Glider lives in forests and woodlands. They are most common in the Boondall Wetlands of Australia. They make nests in hollows in trees, which they line with leaves. Squirrel Gliders are nocturnal, meaning they sleep during the day and are active at night.

Similar to the Sugar Glider in appearance, the Squirrel Glider is almost twice the size. Their head and body is about 210mm in length, with a tail that is about 270mm. They usually weigh about 230 grams. The Squirrel Glider has gray fur with a black stripe on the head and body. The coat is quite soft. The tail is rather soft, thick, and bushy and all one color. The Sugar Glider can glide about 50 meters.

Squirrel Gliders were often eaten by Aboriginal people. However, they were listed as threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act in 1988. The reasons Squirrel Gliders are dying out are numerous. The most obvious reason is that much of their natural woodland habitat has been cleared since European settlers arrived in Australia and New Zealand. This makes suitable habitats difficult to find. Also, Squirrel Gliders are the preferred food of Powerful Owls and Barking Owls. Unfortunately, the continued depletion of Squirrel Gliders may also result in a depletion of owls.

Specific Care Information: Relative Care Ease: Uncertain

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Breeding and Propagation: Relative Breeding Ease: Uncertain

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Sunday, 7 September 2008