Page 91 - Atlas Of The World's Strangest Animals

SUGAR GLIDER 91

ORDER Marsupialia / FAMILY Petauridae /
Key Facts
GENUS & SPECIES Petaurus breviceps

Weight Males: 113–150g (4–5.2oz)
Females: 100–135g (3.5–4.8oz)

Length 12–20cm (4.7–7.9in)
Tail: up to 20cm (7.9in)
Sexual maturity Males: approx 18 months
Females: 1 year
Breeding season June–December in Australia; all year in
New Guinea
Number of young 1–3
Gestation period 16 days
Breeding interval Yearly

Typical diet Nectar, tree sap, fruit and insects
Lifespan Up to 7 years in the wild;
14 in captivity

Pouch
Tiny, helpless sugar gliders
(called joeys) must make their
way to this pouch after birth
to continue their growth and
development.

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