I know what you’re thinking. “Wow! What an adorable Sugar Glider!”
Well, it used to be – a Sugar Glider that is, it’s obviously still adorable.
Up until 2020, it was thought that the Australian Sugar Glider was quite common, with a range stretching from Tassie to the Kimberley.
However, genetic analysis proved that the Sugar Glider was in fact three distinct species! The Sugar Glider – which is found in forests from southeast Queensland to the Victorian/NSW border; Krefft’s Glider – found along most of the east coast and Tasmania; and the Savanna Glider (pictured) – found in the woodland savannas of the Top End.
Like all gliders, Savanna Gliders have evolved the incredible ability to use folds of loose skin attached to their wrists and ankles in order to soar through the treetops. Some gliders have been reported flying distances of up to 140 metres.
But whatever his name, and however far he can fly, we just think this little fella is ridiculously cute!
Sadly, however, with the classification of the Sugar Glider into three distinct species, it was also discovered that two of those species were far more endangered than previously thought. While Krefft’s Glider remains fairly widespread, the Sugar Glider was found to have a much smaller distribution than before, and our friend the Savanna Glider is disappearing fast.
As a result of feral cats, altered fire regimes and wild livestock, it is estimated that the Savanna Glider’s range has reduced by 35% in the last three decades, and more research is urgently needed to better understand how to protect this magnificent marsupial.
This story of the Savanna Glider highlights the often under-emphasised importance of taxonomy (the study and classification of species) in wildlife conservation. The first step in conserving our native animals is ensuring we have the best possible understanding of their classification and distribution.
As the authors of this vital research have stressed, it would be devastating to lose the Savanna Glider after having just discovered its existence.
You can read more about the Savanna Glider here: https://theconversation.com/a-rare-discovery-we-found-the-sugar-glider-is-actually-three-species-but-one-is-disappearing-fast-142807
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Savanna Glider (Petaurus ariel), Berry Springs, Australia