Sugar Gliders
Petaurus breviceps
The
Sugar Glider has a membrane extending from its fifth finger to its
ankle enabling it to glide up to 50 m between trees. In flight, it uses
its long bushy tail for stability and steering. It is most active at
night, sleeping by day in nests made of leaves in tree hollows.
Groups of up to seven adults and their young may form a 'clan' and
share a nest. Among their own clan they are playful and social but will
defend their territory aggressively and noisily if threatened by other
animals or approached by Sugar Gliders from a different clan. Dominant
males mark other clan members and the territory around the nest with
secretions from scent glands on their chest.
The Sugar Glider commonly gives birth to twins, which remain in the
pouch for just over two months. They then leave the nest to forage for
food, usually with their mother.
Breeding In captivity, gliders will often mate 3
times a year.
Lifespan 5 to 7 yrs in the wild and 10 to 15 years
in captivity.
Distribution:
Northern and eastern Australia, in northern Western Australia, Northern
Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and
south-eastern South Australia.
Habitat: Forests and woodlands. Size: Body 16-21 cm, tail 16-21cm
Here is a little secret. If a sugar glider comes in to your life, you may
never want to do anything that does not have the words sugar glider in
it!!!
