The squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) is a nocturnal gliding possum and is one of the wrist-winged gliders of the genus Petaurus.
Habitat
The home range of this species extends from Bordertown near the South Australia/Victorian Border, through south-eastern Australia to northern Queensland. It was thought to be extinct in South Australia since 1939, until a genetic test confirmed they still inhabited the area.
In south-eastern Australia the squirrel glider lives in the dry sclerophyll forest and woodlands, whilst in Queensland they occupy a wetter eucalypt forest.
Appearance
Like most of the wrist-winged gliders, the squirrel glider is endemic to Australia. It is about twice the size of the related sugar glider (P. breviceps), with a body that is 18–23 cm long and a tail measuring 22–33 cm. They can glide up to 50m from tree to tree, The mother will wean her offspring for around 4 months while they stay in the den. They become independent at 10 months and will leave the den; their life expectancy is 4–6 years. It also feeds on tree sap, mainly eucalyptus or red bloodwood trees. In order to get the sap the squirrel glider will pierce the trunk of the tree causing sap to flow out of it. It also eats pollen, nectar, leaves, and bark.
Threats
Natural predators of the squirrel glider include owls and introduced predators such as dogs, cats and foxes. Habitat fragmentation and destruction by human agency is also impacting individual populations, however due to large population sizes and occurrence in several protected areas, the species is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.