Northern glider

Northern glider[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Diprotodontia
Family: Petauridae
Genus: Petaurus
Species: P. abidi
Binomial name
Petaurus abidi
Ziegler, 1981
Northern glider range

The northern glider (Petaurus abidi) is a species of marsupial in the family Petauridae. It is endemic to Papua New Guinea, becoming known to science in 1981 after being discovered in the Torricelli Mountains.[3] This species has been found in primary, mid-montane tropical moist forests. It is also known from rural gardens close to forest. The northern glider is Critically Endangered because its occurrence is less than 100 km2, all individuals are located within a single area, and a continuing decline of its habitat quality due to deforestation and human encroachment. They also face a major threat from hunting.[2]

Appearance

The northern glider ranges in weight of 228-332 grams. Its silky-like fur is gray on the top half, paler on the bottom regions, and includes the characteristic dark dorsal stripe of the family Petauridae that typically begins from the head extending to the base of tail.[4]

References

  1. Groves, C.P. (2005). Wilson, D.E.; Reeder, D.M., eds. Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 45. OCLC 62265494. ISBN 0-801-88221-4.
  2. 1 2 Leary, T.; Wright, D.; Hamilton, S.; Singadan, R.; Menzies, J.; Bonaccorso, F.; Salas, L.; Dickman, C. & Helgen, K. (2008). "Petaurus abidi". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2008. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 28 December 2008. Database entry includes justification for why this species is listed as critically endangered
  3. Ziegler, A.C. (1981) Petaurus abidi, a new species of glider (Marsupialia: Petauridae) from Papua New Guinea. Australian Mammalogy, 4, 81–88.
  4. Nowak, Ronald M. "Lesser Gliding Possums." Walker's Mammals of the World. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins UP, 1999. 139-40. ISBN 0-8018-5789-9


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