What is a sugar glider?

A sugar glider is a small, furry marsupial that has flaps of skin that allow it to glide. It is known to science as Petaurus breviceps and is native to Australia.

Sugar gliders belong to a group of animals that includes the striped possums. While their relatives cannot glide, they are similar in appearance. Both animals have pink, furless noses; long, furry tails; and a dark stripe running the length of their spines. Sugar gliders are omnivorous and eat insects in addition to the sweet sap that gives them their name. While they are very fond of sugary eucalyptus sap, they also consume pollen, spiders and small vertebrates. Sugar gliders are sold in the pet trade and can live up to 14 years in captivity.