In a recent rescue operation, officers from the Environment & Resources Authority (ERA) successfully rescued and rehomed a Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps) that was found in the wild in Malta. The small, nocturnal marsupial was likely either abandoned or escaped from captivity.
Sugar gliders are popular in the pet trade but are non-native to our islands. While these adorable creatures may seem harmless, they struggle to survive in the wild and can have a significant negative impact on local ecosystems. As alien species, Sugar gliders are not naturally found in Malta, and their presence can disrupt the balance of native wildlife.
In fact, species that are not native to the islands are classified as 'Alien Species', and some of these can become Invasive Alien Species (IAS), meaning they can harm the environment by outcompeting or displacing native species. The introduction of such species can lead to long-term ecological damage that disrupts local biodiversity.
For this reason, the trading of IAS is illegal. If you happen to spot a non-native species, such as a Sugar glider, in the wild, it’s essential to report the sighting to ERA via this link. It's also important that pets are NEVER released or abandoned into the wild, as this can lead to unforeseen consequences for the environment.
Have you ever seen a Sugar glider in Malta?