# Sugar Glider (*Petaurus breviceps*)

> Sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps) are nocturnal marsupials that glide between eucalypt trees on a membrane stretching from wrist to ankle. Native to eastern and northern Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands, they eat nectar, sap, pollen, and insects, weigh about 120 g, and are listed Least Concern.

- **Category:** Mammal
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Least Concern
- **Range:** Eastern and northern Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/sugar-glider/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Mammalia
- **Order:** Diprotodontia
- **Family:** Petauridae
- **Genus:** Petaurus

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Petaurus breviceps |
| Diet | Omnivore (nectar, sap, insects) |
| Habitat | Eucalypt forests and woodland canopies |
| Lifespan | Around 10 years in the wild (varies by population and captivity). |
| Weight | About 0.12 kg typical adult mass (sex and region vary). |
| Top speed | Up to roughly 20 km/h when moving at speed. |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |

## Wrist-to-ankle gliding membrane

The patagium lets sugar gliders sail 50 m or more between trunks, steering with the tail and limbs. Soft grey fur, a dark dorsal stripe, and huge eyes suit night foraging. Social groups share tree hollows and use scent glands to mark territory and group members.

## Sap, nectar, and insects

They lap eucalypt and acacia sap, take nectar and pollen from blossoms, and catch moths, beetles, and spiders. Incisors help strip bark to reach gum flows. Seasonal flowering and insect pulses shift how much sugar versus protein they eat.

## Canopy life in Oceania

Eastern and northern Australia, New Guinea, and adjacent islands hold wild populations in eucalypt forests and woodland. They need connected canopy and hollow-bearing trees; cleared farmland can isolate colonies.

## Pet trade versus wild needs

Wild populations remain Least Concern, but hollow loss and fragmentation shrink local groups. As pets they need specialised diets and social housing — poor captive care, not IUCN status, is the usual welfare issue people encounter.

## Frequently asked questions

### How far can a sugar glider glide?

Documented glides often reach 50 m between trees when launching from height, using the membrane and tail for steering.

### Are sugar gliders flying squirrels?

No. They are marsupials; flying squirrels are placental rodents. Similar gliding membranes evolved independently.

### What do wild sugar gliders eat at night?

Nectar, pollen, tree sap and gum, plus insects and spiders — not a fruit-only diet.

### Do sugar gliders live in groups?

Yes. Small colonies share nests in hollows and communicate with scent and soft calls.

### Is a baby sugar glider called a joey?

Yes — like other marsupials, young are joeys and spend early life in the mother's pouch.

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/sugar-glider/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.