Mahogany Glider (Petaurus gracilis)

The Mahogany Glider


The mahogany glider is nocturnal and was thought to be extinct for over 100 years until it was rediscovered 1989; however throughout that time it had be confused for other gliders and possums. Primary predators of the mahogany glider include various owls and the scrub python. This species is endangered and is located in northern Queensland. Humans are the primary reason for destroying the habitat of the mahogany glider. It is notable that this species is silent.

Average mahogany gliders weigh about 320g; males tend to weigh more than females. The average length of this species is 600mm, including the head and tail. This animal has a mahogany hue (hence the name mahogany glider), with a lighter brown underbelly and a black stripe extending from the head to the end of the tail. The tail is used to aide the animal to glide in the desired direction. Large eyes, big hands/feet with claws, naked ears, and a pointy nose are present on the mahogany glider. The hands and feet are used to grab the limbs of trees. There is also a membrane that connects each wrist to its corresponding heal and is used in gliding.

Nectar, sap, and kino are among the preferred diet of the mahogany glider. Kino is a gum that the animal gets when it slashes the bark on a bloodwood tree, blue gum tree, or malaleucas tree. Tree blossoms and insects are also eaten. Pollen that gets on the fur of the mahogany glider while it feeds is dispersed as the animal glides. When hunting for food mahogany gliders will go alone to avoid the attention of predators.

Female mahogany gliders raise the young in up to twelve nests that are rotated seasonally. Breeding occurs at night, little else is known about the mating habits of this animal. The average life span of this species is six years.

Further Information on the Mahogany Glider:

Bibliography

A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia, Peter Menkhorst and Frank Knight. ©2001.

Mahogany Glider, Year 5/6 Class Victoria Plantation Primary School, 8/8/04, www.schoolworld.asn.au/species/glider.html.

Animal Info-Mahogany Glider, Paul Massicot, 8/8/04, www.animalinfo.org/species/petagrac.htm.

Mahogany Glider Petaurus gracilis (De Vis, 1883), Stephen Jackson, 8/8/04, www.jcu.edu.su/school/tbiol/zoology/auxillry/mammals/moggy.htm.