What can you tell me about Sugar Glider Anatomy?

Sugar gliders are marsupials, which means the young are born very immature and grow in a pouch for 60 to 70 days on the mothers abdomen (much like a kangaroo or opossum). Sugar gliders have furry, thin, stretchy, membranes called a patagium that extend from their wrists to their ankles that allows them to glide up to 150 feet through the air. In the wild, they move from tree to tree by gliding, not flying. Their hind feet have a large, opposable big toe that helps them grip branches and the second and third toes form a grooming comb. Other toes help them grab insects and connect the patagium.

Large eyes are characteristic of these small marsupials which help them see while they glide and triangulate their launch and landing locations. It also helps them search for food since they are nocturnal and hunt at night. Both sexes also possess various scent glands, sharp teeth, and extremely soft fur.

Male sugar gliders typically weigh 100-160 grams and adult females weigh between 80-130 grams. Weights will vary among individuals and the different subspecies. Sugar gliders can glide up to 165 feet (50 meters) using their gliding membrane, which stretches between the front and hind legs. Both males and females have large eyes.

Males have a frontal scent gland located on the top of the head. This gland is used to mark territory and recognize other group members. In adult males, the hair around this gland is sparse or missing.

Unlike other mammals, but similar to birds and reptiles, sugar gliders possess a cloaca. The cloaca is a common opening for the rectum, urinary system, and genital system.

The male sugar glider has a long pendulous scrotum and a forked (bifid) penis. It is recommended to castrate (neuter) male sugar gliders, particularly if housed with other sugar gliders of either sex. Intact male gliders are prone to mutilating themselves. Neutering is relatively straightforward (although magnification may be required) and can be done at any age by a veterinarian with experience in exotic pet medicine.

The female sugar glider has two uteri and two vaginas that enter into a common pouch divided by a septum or membrane. Female gliders possess a pouch with four teats where their babies develop. The gestation period, or length of pregnancy, is about 15-17 days. Sugar gliders usually give birth to one or two babies at a time. After birth, the tiny young (joeys) migrate to the pouch where they remain for 70-74 days before they leave the pouch for good.

Sexual maturity varies but is generally reached by 8-12 months of age in females and 12-15 months in males. Sugar gliders are considered geriatric pets at 5-7 years of age. The average lifespan is 10-12 years and, for those kept in captivity, depends heavily on how they are cared for.
Posted By Gremelin Posted on January 2nd, 2024 · Updated on January 3rd, 2024

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