Gliding possum

There are many different types of gliding possum, sometimes referred to as volplane possum, flying phalangers, or simply as gliders:

Australian gliders

• Feathertail glider or pygmy gliding possum, Acrobates pygmaeus
• Greater glider, Petauroides volans
• Mahogany glider, Petaurus gracilis
• Squirrel glider, Petaurus norfolcensis
• Sugar glider, Petaurus breviceps
• Yellow-bellied glider or fluffy glider, Petaurus australis

New Guinea gliders

• Biak glider, Petaurus biacensis
• Northern glider, Petaurus abidi

A characteristic of all species of marsupial gliders is the partially fused (syndactylous) second and third digits on the hind feet. They achieve gliding flight by use of membranes called patagia.