In the world of cute, size doesn’t matter, and Boop, a tiny baby feathertail glider, is the perfect proof. Weighing less than a gram, this little bundle of joy was found outside its mother’s pouch and has been receiving top-notch care at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors.
Feathertail gliders are small, native Australian mammals with a unique feature – a flat, feathery tail that helps them steer and brake while gliding through trees. They are the only mammals with this remarkable feature, which sets them apart from other animals.
These tiny creatures weigh only 10-15 grams as adults and can easily go unnoticed or be mistaken for mice. However, their small size doesn’t limit their abilities. Feathertail gliders are expert gliders, using a skin fold between their front and hind feet to create a parachute-like effect, allowing them to travel great distances like falling leaves.
Their diet consists of nectar, pollen, and insects, and they reside in trees, using their remarkable gliding abilities to move from one tree to another. With their frog-like feet and serrated grooves on their toe pads, they can climb almost anything, even vertical glass panes!
Feathertail gliders are found throughout eastern Australia, from South Australia to far North Queensland. They build their nests in various places, including abandoned bird nests, banana sacks, and tree ferns, using leaves, feathers, and shredded wood to create a cozy home.
These tiny gliders live in communal groups of 5 to 30 individuals and reproduce throughout the year in the north, and in the spring, summer, and late winter in the south. They live for about four years in the wild, and both sexes are similar in size and appearance, except for the female’s pouch.
Boop, the baby feathertail glider, is a reminder of the beauty and uniqueness of Australia’s wildlife. With proper care and protection, these tiny creatures can thrive and continue to steal hearts with their irresistible cuteness.
