Feathertail Glider
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© R & A Williams
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Acrobates
- Species
- pygmaeus
- Family
- Acrobatidae
- Order
- Diprotodontia
- Subclass
- Marsupialia
- Class
- Mammalia
- Subphylum
- Vertebrata
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- 6 cm - 8 cm
Introduction
The Feathertail Glider is the smallest gliding mammal in the world with an average weight of only 12 g.
Identification
The Feathertail Glider is distinguished from other small marsupials by its feather-like tail fringed with long stiff hairs, which acts as a rudder during flight. A gliding membrane, which extends from its elbows to its knees, allows the animal to glide more than 20 m between trees. It clings to smooth surfaces with its large serrated toe pads.
Habitat
The Feathertail Glider lives in forests and woodlands.
Distribution
The Feathertail Glider is found in eastern Australia from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.
Feeding and diet
It feeds on pollen, nectar and insects.
Predators
Predators of the Feathertail Glider include currawongs, kookaburras, foxes and cats.
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