Despite being arguably one of Australia's cutest creatures, this gliding possum is struggling for survival.
NSW Conservation Status: Endangered
Commonwealth Conservation Status: Endangered
The Southern Greater Glider is the world’s largest gliding marsupial, capable of gliding up to 100 metres in a single leap — steering through the air with its long, bushy tail. It’s strictly nocturnal and highly dependent on tree hollows for shelter and breeding. Sadly, this unique species is under increasing pressure from deforestation, habitat loss, and climate change.
Until recently, it was thought there was only one species of Greater Glider in Australia. But genetic research has revealed there are actually three distinct species — an exciting discovery for science, but one that adds complexity to conservation efforts with each species now requiring its own targeted protection.
What do they look like?
About the size of a domestic cat, Southern Greater Gliders weigh between 900 grams and 1.7 kilograms, with females generally larger than males. Their tails can be almost twice as long as their bodies — measuring up to 60cm, while their bodies range from 30–45cm long.
They appear even bigger thanks to their thick, fluffy fur, which ranges from cream to dark grey or brown on top, with pale underbellies. Their large, rounded ears and bright reflective eyes help them navigate the treetops at night.
Their impressive gliding ability comes from large flaps of skin stretching between their elbows and ankles, allowing them to catch the air as they leap between trees.
Habitat and Diet
The Southern Greater Glider is the only greater glider species found in NSW.It lives in eucalypt forests and woodlands, relying heavily on large old trees with hollows for daytime shelter. A single glider may use up to 20 different hollows across its territory, which typically spans 1 to 3 hectares.
Their diet is made up exclusively of eucalyptus leaves, buds and flowers. They have a specialised stomach that ferments the leaves to help them digest the tough, fibrous material and deal with the natural toxins in eucalyptus. They are reliant on sufficient moisture levels on the leaves to metabolise the natural toxins.
Breeding occurs between May and July, with one young born each year. The joey remains in the pouch for about four months, and will stay with the parents in the den until it becomes independent around nine months of age.
Under Threat
The Southern Greater Glider faces multiple serious threats. These include:
- Loss and fragmentation of habitat due to land clearing for agriculture, urban development and logging.
- Loss of hollow-bearing trees, particularly those in close proximity to one another, which are essential for shelter.
- Climate change impacts, such as drought, heatwaves and changing rainfall patterns, which affect the moisture content in eucalyptus leaves.
- Entanglement in barbed wire fences, which can injure or kill gliders moving between treetops.
- Severe bushfires, which can wipe out glider populations and destroy key habitat. Almost one-third of their remaining habitat was lost in the 2019–2020 Black Summer fires.
How can you help?
- Protect hollow-bearing trees — especially older trees which take over 100 years to develop suitable hollows. Learn more here.
- Plant native vegetation to help restore glider habitat and connect patches of bushland.
- Avoid using barbed wire — especially the top strand — in or near forested areas.
- Support artificial nest box projects — high-tech nest boxes have shown promise in glider recovery zones.
- Stay informed and speak up — greater awareness and stronger protection laws are critical for glider survival.
