Sugar gliders are small, nocturnal marsupials known for their distinctive gliding ability. These arboreal animals possess a membrane of skin, called a patagium, extending from their wrists to their ankles, allowing them to glide efficiently between trees. Their name reflects a preference for sugary foods like sap and nectar. Active at night, they typically rest during the day in tree hollows.
Native Range in Australia
The sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps) is native to a limited area of southeastern Australia, including southern Queensland and most of New South Wales, primarily east of the Great Dividing Range. Historically, the broader group of animals referred to as sugar gliders occupied a more extensive range across much of coastal eastern and northern Australia.
Their distribution extends to various altitudes, reaching up to 2000 meters in the eastern ranges. Recent genetic analyses indicate that what was once considered a single species, Petaurus breviceps, is actually comprised of multiple distinct species. These include the Krefft’s glider (Petaurus notatus) found throughout eastern Australia and the savanna glider (Petaurus ariel) in northern Australia. The true Petaurus breviceps therefore has a more restricted native range within Australia than previously understood.
Distribution Beyond Australia
Beyond the Australian continent, sugar gliders are found naturally in New Guinea and several surrounding islands, including the Indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua, and Papua New Guinea. These populations, while traditionally classified under Petaurus breviceps, may represent distinct species or subspecies, with their exact taxonomic relationships still under investigation.
Sugar gliders inhabit rainforests in these regions, often at elevations below 1000 meters above sea level. Their presence across this broader geographical area highlights their adaptability to various forest environments and their natural spread throughout the Australasian region.
Ecological Preferences and Habitat
Sugar gliders are arboreal, living in trees across their native range. They favor forests and woodlands, including both wet and dry sclerophyll forests, as well as rainforests. Their habitat selection is tied to the availability of specific resources, such as eucalyptus and acacia trees. These trees provide essential food sources, including sap, nectar, and pollen, which form a significant part of their diet.
Hollow-bearing trees are an important element of their habitat, providing safe nesting and denning sites. Sugar gliders line these hollows with leafy twigs for shelter during the day, often sharing communal nests with other social group members. Their ability to glide up to 50 meters between trees helps them navigate their arboreal environment efficiently, allowing them to access food and evade predators within the canopy. The density of potential food species and a well-developed mid and upper canopy cover are also factors associated with their presence.