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Sugar gliders can glide over 150 feet on the right wind currents. |
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Like kangaroos and wombats, these marsupials have a pouch. |
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They are nocturnal (active at night) and arboreal (tree dwelling). |
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Wild sugar gliders live in groups of up to twenty companions. |
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A full-grown sugar glider weighs between three and four ounces. |
| Sugar gliders are unique animals. They have velvety, soft fur, large dark eyes, and a long bushy tail. their most unique feature, however, is the thin skin fold that stretches between their fore and hind legs. This membrane allows the animal to glide between trees in the wild. Sugar gliders are native to, or originally found in, Australia, Tasmania, Indonesia, and New Guinea. Their scientific name is Petaurus breviceps. They prefer to live with at least one other sugar glider companion. Since they live high in the trees in the wild, their homes also need to be as tall as possible with lots of climbing accessories and a nest box. Sugar gliders love to climb, jump, and play. They are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. A suitable sugar glider diet should include a careful selection of fresh fruits, sugar glider-specific pellet food, and an occasional selection of nuts and fresh, non-wild insects. |
| What Is It Called? |
| Common Name |
Technical Name |
| Father |
Jack |
| Mother |
Jill |
| Baby |
Joey |
| Group |
Troop |
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| Sugar Gliders Around the World |
| In nearly every language, "sugar glider" is the only word used to describe these marsupial mammals. |
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The Most Common Question About Sugar Gliders
How do sugar gliders glide through the air?
Sugar gliders use the two, thin, skin folds that stretch between their fore and hind legs to glide. Each skin fold is known as a patagium. This membrane works similar to a parachute. Using their strong back legs, sugar gliders launch themselves from a tree branch and spread their limbs. The patagium opens up and catches air to slow descent (like a parachute). By moving their legs up and down, sugar gliders can adjust the curvature of the membrane. When combined with their long tails, which act like rudders on an airplane or ship, sugar gliders can steer themselves through the air at distances of 150 feet!
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