Feathertail Glider
(Acrobates pygmaeus)
Identification:
This is the smallest
glider, weighing only 10-14 grams, and is the only Australian
mammal which has a feather-like tail, with short fur on the
upper and lower surface and a fringe of stiff hairs along each
side. Colouring is grey or greyish brown above and lighter below.
A gliding membrane runs from the elbow to the knee. The hind
feet are syndactylous and opposable with a clawless thumb. There
are large pads on the toes with fine serrations, which allows
the animal to cling to smooth vertical surfaces.
Habitat:
Dry and wet sclerophyll
forests and woodland. Especially favoured are old, mature eucalypt
forests with a banksia shrub layer, and banksia woodlands.
Nest Type:
Leaf nest in hollow
limb
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Biology:
Nocturnal and arboreal.
Lives in large groups and may huddle or go into a torpor in the
cooler months to conserve energy or when food is scarce. Nests
are spherical, made of leaves and bark in tree hollows, tree ferns,
banana bunches. Sexually mature within a year of birth. May have
two litters a year with two to four young. Pouch life is about
six weeks after which the young are left in the nest while the
mother is out feeding. Weaning takes place at about 95-100 days.
Feathertail Gliders may
play an important role as pollinators in the survival of certain
species of plants.
Native Diet:
Nectar, pollen, manna,
soft fruits, foliage, blossoms, seeds, sap and insects.
Predators:
Cats, foxes, owls, snakes
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