Found only in a tiny strip of coastal woodland in northern Queensland, this species is what scientists call endemic, meaning it exists nowhere else on Earth. Its rich mahogany-brown coat, cream-colored belly, and large dark eyes give it a striking look, especially when it launches itself into the air at night.

What makes the Mahogany glider so special is its incredible gliding ability. Using folds of skin stretched between its front and back legs, it can soar up to 60 meters (197 feet) in a single glide, navigating from tree to tree without ever touching the ground. This remarkable skill allows it to move through the forest canopy efficiently, searching for food and avoiding predators. While sugar gliders and squirrel gliders share this adaptation, the Mahogany glider sets itself apart with its larger size, longer glides, and very restricted range, making it one of Australia’s rarest gliding mammals.

The Mahogany glider is also unique in its diet and lifestyle. It is mostly nocturnal, feeding on nectar, pollen, sap, and insects, making it both a pollinator and insect controller in its habitat. By visiting blossoms at night, it helps spread pollen and plays a role in keeping its ecosystem thriving. During the day, it shelters in tree hollows lined with leaves, usually with its mate, as Mahogany gliders are believed to form long-term monogamous pairs. These pairs defend territories together, gliding through the night to patrol their patch of woodland. Unlike some of its relatives, which may live in larger groups, this glider tends to stick to smaller, family-based groups, making its social structure a little more private.

Its scientific name, gracilis, means “slender,” referring to its elegant body shape, perfectly built for airborne life. When it takes off, it stretches its limbs wide and sails silently through the night, often surprising anyone lucky enough to catch a glimpse.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Australia

EN

2015

Queensland