The most significant way that humans affect sugar gliders is through the destruction of their habitat. Sugar gliders live in eucalyptus forests, which are found in Australia. However, these forests are being cleared at an alarming rate for logging, agriculture, and urban development. This habitat destruction is causing sugar glider populations to decline.
Hunting and Trapping
Sugar gliders are also hunted and trapped for their fur and for the pet trade. In Australia, sugar gliders are protected by law, but they are still illegally hunted and trapped. In addition, sugar gliders are often sold as pets in other countries, where they may not be protected by law.
Climate Change
Climate change is also having an impact on sugar gliders. As the climate warms, sugar glider habitats are becoming too hot and dry for them to survive. This is causing sugar glider populations to decline.
What Can We Do to Help Sugar Gliders?
There are a number of things that we can do to help sugar gliders.
Support organizations that are working to protect sugar gliders and their habitat.
Educate ourselves and others about the importance of sugar gliders and their role in the ecosystem.
Reduce our consumption of products that come from cleared eucalyptus forests.
Adopt a sugar glider or donate to a sugar glider rescue organization.