Squirrel Glider
Photo © John Bowden

(Petaurus norfolcensis)

Squirrel gliders are so named because of their dense bushy tails. Squirrel and Sugar gliders co-occur in some areas. Where they do, Squirrel gliders are usually the more abundant of the two species.

Description

Body length 210mm; tail length 270mm; weight 230g. Large rat-sized body with soft grey fur, black stripe on head and body. Tail very thick, especially at base where it leaves the rump. Tail never has white tip.

Identification

Droppings 15mm x 5mm, black, pointed at one end. Repeated 'Nwarr' contact call.

Habitat

Usually found in drier forests but occasionally in rainforest in southern Queensland part of its range. Found throughout urban bushland in some major centres eg Brisbane.

Threats

Cats, clearing, barbed wire fences

Status

Common in Queensland, rare in southern states.

Food

Sap from wattle and Eucalypt trees, invertebrates, pollen, nectar

Distribution

See map