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Northern glider

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description Northern glider Overview

The northern glider is a species of arboreal marsupial belonging to the family Petauridae. Endemic to the island of New Guinea, this gliding possum is specifically restricted to the Torricelli Mountains in Papua New Guinea. It possesses a gliding membrane called a patagium that extends between its limbs, allowing it to glide efficiently between trees in its forest habitat. Classified as critically endangered, the species faces severe population threats from ongoing habitat destruction and local hunting.

help Northern glider FAQ

Where does the northern glider live?

The northern glider is endemic to New Guinea and is specifically restricted to the Torricelli Mountains of Papua New Guinea. It is an arboreal marsupial, so it spends its life in trees rather than on open ground.

How does the northern glider glide?

It stretches a patagium, a membrane between its limbs, to move between trees. That makes it a gliding possum, not a flying animal, and the membrane works when it launches from height.

What does the northern glider look like?

It is a tree-dwelling marsupial in the family Petauridae, with the body plan of a gliding possum. The most useful identification fact is its combination of a patagium and its very limited range in the Torricelli Mountains.

How is the northern glider different from an Australian sugar glider?

The northern glider is restricted to the Torricelli Mountains in Papua New Guinea, while the familiar sugar glider is associated with Australia and nearby regions. Both are petaurid gliders, but they are different species with different native ranges.

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