Gliding possum

There are many different types of gliding possum, sometimes referred to as volplane possum, flying phalangers, or simply as gliders:

Australian gliders

  • Feathertail glider or pygmy gliding possum, Acrobates pygmaeus
  • Greater glider, Petauroides volans
  • Mahogany glider, Petaurus gracilis
  • Squirrel glider, Petaurus norfolcensis
  • Sugar glider, Petaurus breviceps
  • Yellow-bellied glider or fluffy glider, Petaurus australis

New Guinea gliders

  • Biak glider, Petaurus biacensis
  • Northern glider, Petaurus abidi

A characteristic of all species of marsupial gliders is the partially fused (syndactylous) second and third digits on the hind feet.[1][2] They achieve gliding flight by use of membranes called patagia.

References

  1. ^ Sugar Gliders: Everything about Purchase, Nutrition, Behavior, and Breeding. 2008. Caroline Wightman.
  2. ^ Gliders of Australia: A Natural History. 2002. David Lindenmayer
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