Trivia question for Apr-08-2011

Carter found these guys to be too cute to pass up so he is making them his trivia for today.  This marsupial is native to eastern and northern mainland Australia (as well as being introduced to Tasmania, Australia) and is also native to New Guinea and the Bismarck Archipelago.

They are nocturnal, meaning they sleep in their nests during the day and are active at night. At night, they hunt for insects and small vertebrates and feed on the sweet sap of certain species of eucalyptus, acacia and gum trees.  Unlike many native Southern Australian animals, particularly smaller ones, these guys are not endangered. Despite the massive loss of natural habitat in Australia over the last 200 years, it is adaptable and capable of living in surprisingly small patches of remnant bush, particularly if it does not have to cross large expanses of clear-felled land to reach them.

So here are today’s questions:  There is a common belief among natives of New Guinea about these cute critters, tell us what that myth is?  Also, their scientific name ‘Petaurus’ derives from a Greek term, what does the term mean and what does it refer to?

Good Luck 😉

Answer:

Well our friend from Arkte Spirit knew what the species is that we featured and she said she was even fortunate enough to have held one.  Too cool.  The animal we featured is the Sugar Glider and in New Guinea, people believe sorcerers can change themselves into sugar gliders to spy on potential victims.

The scientific name for these guys derives from the Greek term meaning ‘tightrope walker’ referring to its prowess in the trees.  Around the world, the sugar glider is a popular domestic pet, but is one of the most commonly traded wild animals in the illegal pet trade, where animals are plucked directly from their natural habitats. In Australia, a wildlife license is required to keep sugar gliders.  Here is more on these cuddly little guys:  Sugar Glider

Thanks for playing along 😉