Feathertail glider

Feathertail glider[1]
Conservation status

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[2]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Infraclass: Marsupialia
Order: Diprotodontia
Suborder: Phalangerida
Family: Acrobatidae
Genus: Acrobates
Desmarest, 1818
Species: A. pygmaeus
Binomial name
Acrobates pygmaeus
(Shaw, 1793)
Distribution of the feathertail glider
Acrobates pygmaeus

The feathertail glider (Acrobates pygmaeus), also known as the pygmy gliding possum, pygmy glider, pygmy phalanger, flying phalanger and flying mouse,[3] is the world's smallest gliding possum[4] and is named for its long feather-shaped tail. At 6.5–8 cm (2.6–3.1 in) in head-and-body length and 10–14 g (0.35–0.49 oz) in weight, it is only the size of a small mouse, but can leap and glide up to 25 m (82 ft). Like other gliding mammals, the feathertail glider has a skin membrane between the fore and hind legs, thicker than that of the other marsupials like the sugar glider, but smaller in proportion, extending only between the elbows and knees. It is monotypical for its genus.

The tail is about the same length as the head and body combined, quite thin, moderately prehensile, and almost hairless except for two obvious rows of long, stiff hairs on either side. The tail, when held straight, looks like a double-sided comb. It is used to grip twigs and small branches, and to control gliding flight: steering and then braking.

The coat is a uniform mid-grey, with dark patches around the eyes and often a white patch behind the ears. The underside is lighter; the ears are moderately large and rounded.

The natural habitat of the feathertail glider is the eastern seaboard of Australia, and the glider's distribution is from northern Queensland to Victoria.

The feathertail glider's diet includes nectar, pollen, and arthropods.

The New Zoo in Poznań, Poland, was the first European zoo to breed feathertail glides in 1999 (their animals originated from Sydney's Taronga Zoo). Some of the animals born in Poznań have been sent to other European zoos, meaning that the entire European captive population is of Poznán descent.

Coins to medals

The feathertail glider was featured on the Australian 1-cent, until it was withdrawn from circulation in 1991. The 1-cent coins, along with the 2-cent coins, were later melted down to make bronze medals for the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney.

References

  1. ↑ Groves, C. P. (2005). Wilson, D. E.; Reeder, D. M, eds. Mammal Species of the World (3rd ed.). Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 56. OCLC 62265494. ISBN 0-801-88221-4.
  2. ↑ Dickman, C., McKenzie, N. & Menkhorst, P. (2008). Acrobates pygmaeus. In: IUCN 2008. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved 28 December 2008. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
  3. ↑ "The Feathertail Glider". Retrieved 2007-02-16.
  4. ↑ Gliding Possums — Environment, New South Wales Government

Bibliography

External links