Prepare to be amazed by the Greater Glider (Petauroides volans), Australia’s largest gliding mammal and a true spectacle to behold in the forests of the Macedon Ranges 6. These nocturnal marsupials are renowned for their impressive gliding abilities, gracefully soaring between the tall eucalypt trees that form their habitat.
The Greater Glider is easily recognizable by its size, being the largest of Australia’s gliding possums 6. They possess thick fur, typically dark grey-brown on their back and creamy white underneath, although they can be found in different dark and light-colored variations 18. They have a long, furry prehensile tail that aids in balance and large, furry ears that likely enhance their ability to detect predators and navigate their environment at night 18. Their most remarkable feature is the membrane of skin that extends between their elbows and ankles, allowing them to glide effortlessly through the air 6. This adaptation clearly reflects their primary mode of movement between trees, as they prefer gliding over moving on the ground, where they can be quite slow and clumsy 6.
Within the Macedon Ranges, Greater Gliders are forest-dependent and have been recorded as far west as Daylesford and surrounding forested areas 19. They prefer older forests with mature trees, particularly moist forest types, as these provide the hollows they need for shelter and nesting 18. Each family group typically uses multiple den trees within its home range 18. Their strong preference for older trees with hollows makes them particularly vulnerable to habitat loss and fragmentation caused by clearing and bushfires 18.
The diet of the Greater Glider is almost exclusively made up of eucalypt leaves 6. They are highly specialized feeders, only consuming the leaves of certain eucalypt species high up in the canopy 21. This strict dietary requirement makes them highly dependent on the availability of specific tree types and vulnerable to changes in forest composition 21. Their relatively small home ranges of just a few hectares reflect the fact that they don’t need to travel far to find their food source 6. They emerge from their hollows at night to feed in the treetops, relying on their gliding ability to move efficiently between feeding sites 20.
Greater Gliders are primarily nocturnal animals, sheltering in their tree hollows during the day and emerging at night to feed 20. They are generally solitary creatures, although they may form loose family groups 18. Their gliding ability is truly impressive, allowing them to cover distances of up to 40 meters between trees 20. While they are graceful in the air, they tend to be slow and somewhat clumsy on the ground, making them more vulnerable to predators when they do descend 20.
Tragically, the Greater Glider is listed as Vulnerable (VU) in Victoria 6. Their high dependence on forests and large hollow-bearing trees makes them particularly susceptible to habitat loss and fragmentation through clearing and bushfires 18. Climate change is also a growing concern, as it may lead to a contraction of suitable habitat 19. Fragmented populations face a reduced ability to recolonize suitable areas and are at risk of genetic decline 19. In some areas, increased predation from Powerful Owls has also been observed 19.
Interestingly, until recently, Greater Gliders were considered to be a single species. However, in 2020, scientific research revealed that there are actually three distinct species within the genus Petauroides 22. All three species are found in eastern Australia, highlighting the complexity of our native wildlife 22.
The Macedon Ranges Wildlife Network recognizes the importance of protecting the Greater Glider and its habitat. Our efforts to promote wildlife-friendly fencing 17 and advocate for the preservation of mature forests contribute directly to their conservation.
You can help the graceful Greater Glider by supporting initiatives that protect and expand their forest habitat. Reducing the risk of bushfires through careful land management is also crucial. If you live in an area with Greater Gliders, consider retaining mature trees on your property and reporting any sightings to local wildlife organizations. By understanding and appreciating these magnificent gliding marsupials, we can all play a role in ensuring their future in the Macedon Ranges.
