Meet one of Taronga Zoo's tiniest new arrivals. It’s hard to believe that this Feathertail Glider is too big for its mom’s pouch. It moved into the nest box about a week ago with its siblings. Australian Feather-tail Gliders are the world’s smallest gliding mammals. Thanks to their special gliding membrane, Feather-tails can glide for up to 20 meters. Their feathered tail (which is – Surprise! – where their name comes from) also acts as a rudder when they fly, thus helping the Gliders to steer. Although one of the lesser known Australian animals, the Feather-tail Glider used to feature on Australia's one-cent coin before it was taken out of circulation.
9 responses to “What’s a Feathertail Glider?”
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I assume it’s a cousin to the sugar glider. I want to see an adult nearby to compare to the cute baby.
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They’re just as adorable as adults (and not much bigger, apparently)!
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Just wonder how are these itsy tiny critters are fed ??
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Aw… poor little guy, too big for the pouch and so frail and tiny.
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It is so tiny!!! but so very cute.
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Is that the largest they get I have never seen a feathertail Glider before. what do they look like full grown?
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Am I correct that the one(s) in the photos don’t even have their eyes open?
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Rachel, this appears to be the case. If they are open, it’s only very slightly.
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It’s so tiny! And already too big for the pouch? The adult must not be much bigger.




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