Sugar Glider

Petaurus breviceps

AAAHHH!

The Sugar Glider, yes they have a sweet tooth, is perhaps the most striking in appearance of all the marsupials. Due to their beautiful thick, soft fur coat and small size, they are often kept as pets in North America. The males weigh approximately 115-160g, while the females weigh 100-135g. Sugar Gliders have a squirrel-like body ending in a long tail.

NO ENGINE

The patagium is perhaps the most striking feature of the Sugar Glider. It is a thin layer of furred skin that stretches from the wrist to the ankle of the hind limb on either side of the body. When legs are extended this skin is spread taught and the Sugar Glider is enabled to glide distances up to 60 metres.

TREE HUGGERS

They prefer the open forests where there is room to glide. Sugar Gliders are social animals, nesting in family groups of up to twelve individuals. Their territory, though small, consists of several eucalyptus trees and is readily defended by the entire group.

SPLIT PERSONALITIES

Sugar Glider males also have a unique feature - their ‘thingy’ has two shafts.  The males can be distiguished by a scent gland on their heads visible as a bald spot. Sugar Gliders are highly vocal, often making what is known as a “crabbing" noise, somewhat reminiscent of an electric blender. They also bark, chirp and chatter amongst themselves. They have an acute sense of smell, hearing and night vision.

G’ DAY MATE

Sugar Gliders reach sexual maturity at 7-10 months. The mating season usually occurs in August, the gestation period is 15-17 days. The female births 1-3 underdeveloped young which are hairless, less than 0.59 in weight and only 5mm in length. 60-70 days later they emerge from the pouch. Although they quickly become independent they may remain with their mother for several years.