The squirrel glider is a nocturnal marsupial of eastern Australian forests, famous for its ability to glide between trees. By spreading a membrane between its fore and hind limbs, it can “sail” from a high perch to another trunk, conserving energy and reducing time spent on the ground where danger is higher.
This species is especially dependent on habitat structure. It needs connected canopy to move efficiently and relies on tree hollows for daytime shelter and raising young. When woodlands are broken into small patches by roads and clearing, squirrel gliders may be forced to cross open ground, where vehicle strike and predation risk rise sharply.
Taxonomy and naming
The squirrel glider is in the family Petauridae and the genus Petaurus. The scientific name is Petaurus norfolcensis. The common name reflects its squirrel‑like appearance and its gliding locomotion.
Physical features
It is small and slim, with grey‑brown to silvery grey fur above and paler fur below. The tail is long and bushy, providing balance and fine steering control during glides. Large eyes support night activity, and the ears are relatively large and thin. The key adaptation is the patagium (gliding membrane) extending from the wrist to the ankle; when the limbs are spread it becomes an aerodynamic surface that allows controlled gliding. Curved claws help it climb and grip tree bark securely.
Range and habitat
Squirrel gliders occur from south‑eastern Queensland through New South Wales and into parts of eastern Victoria. They use eucalypt forests and woodlands, riparian strips, and forest–farmland mosaics—especially where canopy connectivity remains. Large hollow‑bearing trees are crucial for roosting and breeding. Because the species travels mainly through the canopy, breaks created by wide roads, paddocks or urban development can strongly reduce movement, gene flow and survival.
Behavior and activity
They are active at night and usually rest by day in tree hollows. Squirrel gliders often live in small family groups or social units that share nest sites and communicate with calls and scent. Gliding is their signature movement: an animal climbs to a high point, launches, spreads the membrane, and then uses tail and body angle to steer and land on another trunk before climbing again.
Diet
The diet is flexible and strongly seasonal. They feed on nectar and pollen, sap and other plant exudates (including eucalypt and acacia sources), soft plant material, and a wide range of insects and other invertebrates. Protein from insects can be particularly important during breeding and when young are growing.
Reproduction and life cycle
Females typically raise 1–2 young at a time. Tiny newborns develop in the pouch first, then continue growing in the hollow nest while learning to forage and eventually to glide. Breeding timing varies with region and local food peaks, and reproductive success is often higher in years with abundant flowering and insect availability.
Relationship with people
In wooded agricultural landscapes, squirrel gliders may use retained tree lines, riparian corridors and roadside trees for movement, but this can increase collision risk where roads cut through habitat. Urban expansion and night lighting can also alter movement and feeding patterns. Maintaining connected canopy corridors, protecting hollow‑bearing trees, and adding wildlife crossings or speed reductions in hotspots can help reduce human‑related impacts.
Conservation status and threats
Globally the species is often listed as Least Concern (LC), but it is highly vulnerable to local habitat fragmentation because it depends on canopy connectivity and tree hollows. Major threats include woodland clearing, loss of old hollow‑bearing trees, road mortality, predation by foxes and cats, and major fires or extreme weather that temporarily reduce food and shelter. Effective conservation focuses on retaining and restoring connected canopy corridors, protecting hollow trees, reducing road risk, and managing key predators in priority areas.
