Gliding possum
There are many different types of gliding possum, sometimes referred to as flying phalangers, or simply as gliders:
Australian gliders
- Feathertail glider or pygmy gliding possum, Acrobates pygmaeus
- Greater glider, Petauroides volans
- Mahogany glider, Petaurus gracilis
- Squirrel glider, Petaurus norfolcensis
- Sugar glider, Petaurus breviceps
- Yellow-bellied glider or fluffy glider, Petaurus australis
New Guinea gliders
- Biak glider, Petaurus biacensis
- Northern glider, Petaurus abidi
A characteristic of all species of marsupial gliders is the partially fused (syndactylous) second and third digits on the hind feet.[1][2] They achieve gliding flight by use of membranes called patagia.
References
- Sugar Gliders: Everything about Purchase, Nutrition, Behavior, and Breeding. 2008. Caroline Wightman.
- Gliders of Australia: A Natural History. 2002. David Lindenmayer
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