Gliding from tree-to-tree is an awesome adaptation to keep safely above ground-dwelling predators
Description: The Feathertail Glider is an Australian marsupial. It has short brown-grey fur. Its tail has long stiff hairs down either side and resembles a bird’s feather. It is about the same length as its body. The glider has a thick membrane between its elbows and knees, which it uses to glide. It also has serrated pads on its toes that help it stick to smooth surfaces.
Diet: The Feathertail Glider is an omnivore and eats nectar, pollen and insects.
In the wild: Feathertail Gliders live in groups of 5–25 individuals. Several group members help to maintain spherical nests of leaves, bark and fern. Mothers suckle young that are not their own.
Threats: Predatory birds, including kookaburras and owls, foxes, cats and reptiles prey on Feathertail Gliders. They are also threatened by habitat destruction.
Did you Know?
The average gliding distance for the Feathertail Glider is about 14 m though they have been known to glide up to 28 m. They glide up to five times an hour. Gliding helps the Feathertail Glider stay amongst the treetops where they can avoid larger, ground-dwelling predators.