Petauridae – Gliding & striped possums

Squirrel-like possums armed with squirrel-like long, furry tails

These relatively small marsupials are all characterized by a dark stripe on the dorsal side of their body. They have a long tail that is very furry and prehensile. In addition, many species have well-developed membranes extending from their wrists to their ankles, helping them glide.

Most of the time, these animals feed on nectar and tree sap, but when needed, they can eat anything they can grab, usually small invertebrates. Recently, many species have become popular as pet animals, which has triggered a wave of illegal trade and has jeopardized the conservation of many of these animals.