The feathertail glider (Acrobates pygmaeus) is the smallest gliding marsupial in the world, named for its long feather-shaped tail. The scientific name for this species means pygmy acrobat. A second species, the broad-toed feathertail glider (Acrobates frontalis), has been recognised (Harris, 2015) based on unpublished genetic studies and cryptic morphological differences in toe and tail characteristics. Feathertail gliders spend up to 87 per cent of their time in trees at heights greater than 15 metres making them the most cryptic and rarely seen of all the glider species.

Did you know?

Feathertail gliders have the ability to run up vertical planes of glass and it is assumed that this skill is what allows them to run around the trunk and branches of smooth-barked gum trees.

Home range

• Feathertail gliders have a home range of 0.4-2.1 hectares and usually have a population density of 0.01-0.4 individuals per hectare.
• Natural predators in their range include ghost bats, owls, kookaburras, and the small agile antechinus. Other predators include lizards and snakes.

Distribution

Feathertail gliders occur down the east coast of Australia. They are found in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and some parts of South Australia.

Description

Feathertail gliders have a mouse-sized body with grey-brown fur on the back and a white underside. The distinctive tail is quill-like and hairless except for a fringe of long stiff hairs down either side that resemble a feather.

Body measurements:

• Head-body length, 65-80 mm.
• Tail length, 70-80 mm.
• Weight, 10-15 grams.

The gliding membrane extends from elbow to knee and is thicker than other glider species.

Signs

• Feathertail gliders are usually silent, but when distressed they will hiss. Other vocalisations include ‘ticking’, ‘popping’ and a ‘psss-psss-psss’ sound.
• Droppings are similar to those of the house mouse in size and are pointed at both ends. Droppings are 5 mm long and 2 mm wide and are composed of very fine particles.

Habitat

• Feathertail gliders are found in most treed habitats and commonly occur in tall wet or dry forests.
• They can live in the rainforest at all altitudes.
• They are even known to occur in parks and backyards.

Ecology

Life history

Feathertail gliders can live in large groups of up to 30 individuals and they are known to nest in artificial nest boxes, even meter boxes and telephone junction boxes. This behaviour assists in maintaining body temperature as their small size makes them susceptible to heat loss. Females have been documented to live up to 8 years.

Breeding

Feathertail gliders commonly give birth between July and January, however, northern populations can breed at any time of the year. Litter size is between 2-4 young, and they will have up to 2 litters per year. Litters commonly have more than 1 father.

Females will look after the young of other females that share the nest. Not all females within the same nest breed at the same time. Growth is slow for such a small marsupial and the material investment is high. Their nest is commonly made up of eucalyptus and acacia leaves that form a 6-8 cm sphere shape.

Females reach sexual maturity at 8 months of age whereas males reach sexual maturity at 12 months of age.

Food

Their diet consists of insects, plant exudates, pollen, honeydew, nectar, and seeds. The gliders’ long, brushy tongues assist with feeding on pollen — their predominant source of protein — and nectar.

They may also feed on pollen that attaches to their fur after contact with flowers.

Mitigation practices

• Installation of nest boxes.
• Keeping cats locked up at night.

More information

More species

Sugar gliders