I know people are going to bring up Rocky the flying squirrel, so I beat you to the punch. I thought the same thing, so I was surprised when I ended up on flying possums. There are flying squirrels, but there are 50 species. These guys have only 10 varieties with 8 in Australia and 2 in New Guinea.
So, what are they? It’s pretty simple. These are possums, which means pouched mammals, who have partially fused digits on the second and third digit of their hind foot. This is used along with a stretchy membrane to help them glide. So, they’re not flying, so much as riding air currents like a paraglider. Still, it’s more than humans can do without technology.
Gliding possums aren’t endangered, but a few species are listed as vulnerable due to habitat destruction. Yet, their range is very big, so they are spread out. The real problem is that they need dense trees to glide since they can’t travel far. Without this, they have to use the ground and that’s where predators are lurking. So, there are efforts to help and prevent them from going into the endangered level.
So, what about pictures? Let’s start with the Australian species. Hopefully these are right, but some species look very similar.
Feather Glider (Smallest gliding mammal)
Mahogany Glider (Threatened Species)
Squirrel Glider
Sugar Glider
Yellow-Bellied Glider (aka Fluffy Glider)
Southern Greater Glider
Central Greater Glider
Northern Greater Glider
New Guinea has:
Biak Glider
Northern Glider (No luck with a real picture)
Now for a fun video:
Legends of Windemere 
Pretty cool. We’re supposed to have flying squirrels here, but I’ve never seen one. I think they’re closer to the Canadian border than I am.
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I think it depends on how dense the forests are. They don’t seem to be fans of housing areas.
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Those are so cute! Their little face stripes are dashing.
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They’re really adorable.
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So very cute, Charles. Thanks.
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You’re welcome.
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Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog.
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Thanks for sharing.
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My pleasure, Charles 👍
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What cute little animals. But it’s a pity to keep them as pets. Thank you for sharing.
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I don’t think they’d be great pets. It unless you have them running wild in the house.
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Our dad brought a possum into the house once! We did not like it. Nobody thought it was cute, but the pictures here look cute.
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I’m guessing a regular American possum instead of these flying ones. They’re pretty rat-looking. Although, it is cool that they keep tick populations down and are resistant to rattlesnake venom. At least according to my son’s animal shows.
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Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thanks for sharing. 😁
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They are so cute. Thanks, Charles! Have a good week! xx Michael
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Glad you enjoyed the post. Enjoy your week too.
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