Petaurus norfolcensis (Kerr, 1792)

Taxonomy and Naming

The squirrel glider, scientific name Petaurus norfolcensis (Kerr, 1792), is a nocturnal gliding possum, and one of the wrist-winged gliders in the genus Petaurus.

Geographic Range

The home range of this species runs from Bordertown near the border of South Australia and Victoria, through south-eastern Australia all the way to northern Queensland.

Regional Population Status

It was considered extinct in South Australia from 1939 onward, until genetic testing confirmed that the species still inhabits this area.

Habitat Types

In south-eastern Australia, the squirrel glider lives in dry sclerophyll forest and woodlands, while in Queensland it lives in wetter eucalypt forest.

Denning Behavior

The squirrel glider builds its den inside a tree hollow, lining it with leaves to sleep.

Social Structure

It usually lives in social groups consisting of one male, two females, and their offspring.

Breeding Season and Gestation

The squirrel glider's breeding season falls between June and January, with a gestation period of 18 days.

Litter Size

Females typically produce a litter of one to two offspring per year.

Post-Birth Pouch Development

Immediately after birth, offspring crawl to their mother's marsupium, anchor themselves to a teat, and remain there for about 3 months.

Weaning Process

The mother weans her offspring over around 4 months, while the young stay in the den.

Offspring Independence

Offspring become independent at 10 months old and leave the den.

Lifespan

The expected lifespan of the squirrel glider is 4 to 6 years.