Squirrel Gliders: Adorable Night-Time Acrobats

These fluffy, nocturnal creatures might look like a mix between a possum and a flying squirrel, but they are actually closely related to sugar gliders. With their big eyes, soft fur, and amazing gliding skills, squirrel gliders are a true treasure of the Aussie bush. Let’s learn more about these incredible little gliders!

1. They Are Masters of the Night!

Squirrel gliders are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. Their large eyes help them see in the dark as they search for food and navigate the treetops. During the day, they sleep in hollow trees lined with leaves to stay safe from predators.

2. They Can Glide Over 100 Metres!

Squirrel gliders have a special patagium—a flap of skin stretching from their wrists to their ankles—that allows them to glide through the air like a tiny parachute! They can soar up to 100 metres in a single leap, using their long tail to steer. This amazing skill helps them escape predators and move between trees without touching the ground.

3. They Are Social and Family-Oriented!

Squirrel gliders live in small family groups, usually consisting of a male, several females, and their young. They sleep together in tree hollows and groom each other, strengthening their social bonds. Living in groups also helps them defend their territory and share warmth on cold nights.

4. They Are Very Picky About Their Home!

Unlike sugar gliders, squirrel gliders prefer larger trees in dry forests, woodlands, and coastal areas. They need a connected canopy of trees to glide between, which is why habitat destruction is a big threat to their survival. They rarely come down to the ground, as it makes them vulnerable to predators like owls, feral cats, and foxes.

5. They Have a Varied Diet!

Squirrel gliders are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Their diet includes:

✔ Nectar and pollen from native flowers like eucalypts and banksias

✔ Insects, spiders, and even small birds

✔ Tree sap and gum, which they lick from bark

✔ Fruit when it’s available

6. They Are Marsupials – Just Like Kangaroos!

Like all marsupials, female squirrel gliders have a pouch where their tiny joeys develop. The babies are born only the size of a grain of rice and stay in the pouch for around 70 days. After leaving the pouch, they still stay close to mum, riding on her back until they are old enough to glide on their own!

7. They Can Live for a Long Time! 🎂

In the wild, squirrel gliders live for around 4 to 6 years. Their biggest threats are habitat loss, land clearing, and predators like foxes and feral cats.

How Can We Help Squirrel Gliders?

Squirrel gliders are at risk due to deforestation and habitat fragmentation, but there are ways to help:

✔ Plant native trees like eucalypts to create habitat corridors

✔ Install nest boxes to give them safe places to sleep

✔ Protect old hollow-bearing trees, as these are crucial for gliders

✔ Keep cats indoors at night to prevent them from hunting gliders

Squirrel gliders are a magical part of Australia’s wildlife, bringing life to the night skies with their graceful glides. Next time you’re out in the bush at night, keep an eye out—you might just spot one soaring through the trees!

Want to learn more about Australia’s amazing animals? Check out our Wild About Wildlife activity book for fun facts, puzzles, and colouring pages!

Squirrel Glider by David Clode on Unsplash