Kingdom ~ Animalia
Phylum ~ Chordata
Subphylum ~ Vertebrata
Class ~ Mammalia
Order ~ Diprotodontia
Family ~ Petauridae
Genus ~ Petaurus
Species ~ Petaurus Breviceps
"A what?!" - A Sugar Glider. :-)
Sugar Glider's are tiny marsupials, from forests in Australia, Indonesia and New Guinea.
Gliders are arboreal animals (they live in tree tops), they rarely, if ever, visit the forest floors.
They are very social and communal animals... in the wild they live in colonies/groups.
Gliders are nocturnal, so during the day they cuddle and sleep, and at night, its playtime and time to find food. :-)
It is not known when Glides first came here... I once read an article from a Zoo that
mentioned Gliders being smuggled on a ship inside the carcass of large birds, about a hundred years ago.
Whether thats true or not, I have no clue (neat story none the less I thought).
In captivity they weigh around 3-5 ounces (give or take a few).
Gliders come in a range of different colors/shades, some unique and very rare. The most common and standard color, being shades of grey,
with a white/creme underbelly and facial markings, and a dark stripe that runs from the head down the back. They have big
dark beautiful eyes, and a long fluffly tail that usually has a dark tip (matching their stripe). Gliders have a
unique gliding membrane (Patagium), that enables them to glide far distances. Every Glider is an individual and each
has their own special personality. They have been known to steal the hearts of humans. ;-)
Sugar Glider's can make very unique and interesting pets...although they do not make the best pets for everyone,
they do require alot of care and effort to keep them
healthy and happy. Diet and Housing are a VERY big part in keeping these little guys. Its SO important to do your
research and educate yourself on their care before deciding to keep them as pets.
(although we like to refer to them as Family members.)
Oh, and please make sure these exotic pets are legal to own in your area. ;-)
This site is about the general anatomy of the Sugar Glider. This site does not dicuss diet or housing -
I encourage people to really research their Diet and Housing requirements, and make the best informed descision for
themselves.
It is extremely important in the care and keeping of the Glider! (I listed some Glider sites in the "Links"
section here that may or may not be helpful, some are really good I think. :-)
Please feel free to browse through the links below to see pictures and learn a little more
about their appearance and general Anatomy.
Click on a photo to enlarge...
Lets put on x-ray vision glasses and take a look at a Glider...Cool huh?
* We would like to tell others to beware of some Breeders, Pet Stores, Flea Markets, etc...
when looking for a Glider to purchase, make sure you KNOW where your little one is coming from.
Check out the place or individual, make sure they have healthy pet care practices,
and that their willing to answer any question/s you may have (or show you anything you ask to see regarding the glider/s).
If for any reason you feel uncomfortable,
or have any doubts about the glider or person selling. Dont buy.
If you notice any Animal Abuse/Neglect, please report it to the appropriate authorities. You may end up being the person that saves a life. :-)
"He who is cruel to animals becomes hard also in his dealings with men. We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." ~ Immanual Kant
"You become responsible forever for what you have tamed."
...Antoine de Saint-Exupery
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