Squirrel Glider
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Petaurus norfolcensis or the Squirrel Glider
The squirrel glider is very similar in appearance and gliding ability to the sugar glider, though it can get to twice the size. In a lot of areas the squirrel glider is rarer and more restricted than its cousin the sugar glider. Loss of habitat is threatening this animal: it may be endangered in the southern part of its range in northern Victoria. The squirrel glider lives in dry sclerophyll forest and woodland in south-eastern Australia, but not in dense coastal ranges. However, in northern New South Wales and Queensland it occurs in coastal forest and in some wet forest areas bordering on rainforest.
Squirrel gliders enjoy eating insects, especially beetles and caterpillars. They also feed on the gum produced by acacias, the sap of certain eucalypts, nectar and pollen. They nest in bowlshaped hollows in trees, which they line with leaves. Each nest will contain a number of animals, but only one male over the age of two years. There will be one or more females and their offspring, including males under the age of two years. After this age the young males are forced out of the nest to find another hollow to call their own.
Did you know...
- The squirrel glider is very similar in appearance and gliding ability to the sugar glider, though it can get to twice the size.
- Loss of habitat is threatening this animal: especially in northern Victoria. Luckily, squirrel gliders are still quite common in Brisbane. To keep it that way, it's importantthat dogs and cats are locked up at night.
- Squirrel gliders enjoy eating insects, especially beetles and caterpillars, and the sap of wattles and gum trees.
- Each nest contains a number of animals, but only one adult male. There will be one or more females and their offspring. Young males are forced out of the nest when they are two to find another hollow to call their own.
Where Squirrel Gliders thrive in Australia:
