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Life Science

Zoology - Acrobatidae (feathertail gliders, pygmy gliders)

Acrobatidae
There are two species of very small marsupials in this family, the feathertail glider and the feathertail possum. The feathertail glider is found in the forests and woodlands of eastern Australia. The feathertail possum is found in New Guinea. Both species have long, brush-tipped tongues for retrieving nectar and pollen from flowers. The feathertail glider has a thin membrane of skin that runs from its front paws to its back paws that helps it glide from tree to tree!

pygmyglider
Key: profileArticle Photos Photos Video Video Audio Audio
Status: Least Concern Least Concern Near Threatened Near Threatened Vulnerable Vulnerable Endangered Endangered Critically Endangered Critically Endangered extinct in the wild Extinct in the Wild extinct Extinct
Status is taken from ICUN Redlist. If no status is listed, there is not enough data to establish status.
Range: North America North America Asia Asia South America Europe Africa Africa Australia
Acrobatidae Genus  
button Acrobates (feathertail or pygmy gliders)
button Distoechurus (feather-tailed possum)

Acrobatidae Resources 		 
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Websites

Family Acrobatidae profile Photos
Acrobatids are small marsupials that have long, brush-tipped tongues for retrieving nectar and pollen from flowers.
Source: Animal Diversity Web Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle/High School Teacher Section: Yes Searchable: Yes

Acrobatidae profile Photos
There are two species of small marsupials in this family, the feathertail glider and the feathertail possum.
Source: NHPTV Wildlife Journal Junior Intended Audience: Students Reading Level: Elementary/Middle School Teacher Section: Yes Searchable: No

Acrobates (feathertail or pygmy gliders)

Feathertail Glider Least Concern profile Photos
The feathertail glider is the smallest gliding animal in the world! Its body is about 3 inches long and it has a 3 inch long tail. It is mostly active at night and is found in a variety of habitats in Australia.
Source: Animal Diversity Web Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle/High School Teacher Section: Yes Searchable: Yes

Feathertail Glider profile Photos Least Concern
Feathertail gliders eat nectar and pollen.
Source: Philadelphia Zoo Intended Audience: Students Reading Level: Elementary/Middle School Teacher Section: Yes Searchable: Yes

Feathertail Glider profile Photos Least Concern
The feathertail glider uses its long, prehensile tail to steer and brake as it glides the trees.
Source: WIRES Northern Rivers Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School Teacher Section: No Searchable: No

Distoechurus (feather-tailed possum)

Feather-tailed Possum Least Concern profile Photos Asia
The feather-tailed possum is a very small marsupial found in forested areas of New Guinea. It has gray fur and a black mask over its eyes and a white stripe on its forehead and cheeks.
Source: Animal Diversity Web Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle/High School Teacher Section: Yes Searchable: Yes




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