What is a greater glider?
The greater glider is Australia's largest gliding marsupial, about the size of a cat, living in tall eucalypt forests of eastern Australia. It feeds almost entirely on eucalyptus leaves.
Greater gliders have thick fur that ranges from dark grey-brown to cream, large furry ears and a long tail. They can glide up to about 100 metres between trees, using a membrane that stretches from the elbow to the ankle.
Like koalas, they eat eucalyptus leaves, and they need large, old trees with hollows to shelter in during the day. A single glider may use several hollows.
Endangered
The southern and central greater glider was listed as endangered in 2022. Logging, land clearing and the 2019-20 bushfires destroyed much of its habitat.
Scientists now recognise three species of greater glider.
Spotlighting at night is the best way to see one.
Because greater gliders depend on hollows that take more than a century to form, protecting old forests is vital for their survival. Researchers have trialled artificial hollows carved into tree trunks as a short-term fix in burned areas. Greater gliders are also sensitive to heat, and hot nights during heatwaves can stress them.
Did You Know?
Greater gliders' eyes glow brightly in torchlight, making them easier to find at night.