SUGAR GLIDER

Step gently into the moonlit forests of Eastern Australia, and you may glimpse a small, silver-grey figure launch itself into the air, riding the night breeze on a living wing. This is the Sugar glider—a cherished marvel of Australian wildlife, renowned for its aerial acrobatics and complex social life.

Sugar gliders inhabit the lush coastal forests, from the cool woodlands of Tasmania, winding all the way up to the subtropical edges of the Northern Territory. Their ideal setting is a mosaic of dense and medium Eucalypt forests, where they carve out a home range of about 3 hectares—imagine an area the size of several football fields, woven together by a canopy of leaves.

Small, but fearless, Sugar gliders possess bodies measuring 16–21 centimetres in length, their fluffy tails often just as long. Light as a whisper, males weigh up to 160 grams, while females tip the scales at around 120 grams.

With extraordinary agility, they glide for distances up to 50 metres—leaping from one tree to another with a graceful extension of their patagium, the special skin membrane that stretches between their limbs. In flight, Sugar gliders use subtle movements of their tail and limbs to steer, ending their journey with a soft landing—a gentle embrace of four tiny feet on rough bark. Yet, even these skilled aerialists can face danger; a single miscalculation may lead to a devastating collision with a branch or trunk, reminding us how precarious life in the wild can be.

Sugar gliders thrive in close-knit family groups, nesting together in the protective hollows of old trees. Here, up to seven adults and their young share a den lined with layers of sweet-smelling gum leaves, safe from the chill and prying eyes. These groups are united by scent and sound:

Vocal Warnings: A sharp, shrill yapping keeps rivals away, while a fierce growl rings out during disputes.

Gentle Chatter: Within the nest, a soothing, gurgling ‘chatter’ fosters bonds.

Scent Marking: A dominant male marks every member with his scent, binding the group together and staking claim to the territory.

When winter gives way to June, the breeding season begins. After successful mating, the female nurtures two tiny young in her pouch for about 70 days. Spring’s abundance sees these emerging to join the den, spending another month in safety before venturing into the world. Their first explorations are cautious—clinging to their mother’s back, noses twitching at the nocturnal scents, fur brushed by the cool breeze. By 7–10 months, most young Sugar gliders set off to find a territory of their own—a hazardous quest made riskier by shrinking habitats and lurking predators such as cats, dogs, owls, and foxes.

Sugar gliders have a sweet tooth, feeding on:

Gum and sap flowing from Acacias and Eucalypts

Native flowers like Grevillea and Bottlebrush, their nectar filling the air with a delicate fragrance

Insects, adding an irresistible crunch to their diet.

When the cold bites or food is scarce, gliders come together in a huddle, sharing warmth. Sometimes, they enter a state of torpor—curling up and slowing their breathing to conserve energy for up to 16 hours, a remarkable adaptation that helps them survive harsh winters.

Sugar gliders live in a world of beauty, but also of fragility. Habitat loss, tree clearing, and the spread of non-native predators cast long shadows over their future. As the old giants of the forest are felled, vital nesting hollows disappear, leaving families without shelter.

What Can We Do?

By preserving forests, protecting old trees, and controlling invasive species, we can ensure Sugar gliders continue to dance across the treetops for generations to come.

Sugar gliders are more than just aerial wonders; they are a vibrant thread in the rich tapestry of Australia’s wild places. Their story is one of resilience, family, and the delicate balance of nature—the more we learn, the greater our responsibility to protect their world.