Did you know that the greater glider is Australia’s largest gliding mammal? Sadly, Populations have declined by 80 per cent in just 20 years.  

They have thick, dark grey-brown fur on their back and creamy white fur on their under-side and can be found in different dark and light-coloured morphs. They also have a long, furry prehensile tail and large furry ears.

Greater gliders are found along the east coast of mainland Australia, from central Queensland to central Victoria. Greater gliders are forest dependent and prefer older tree age classes in moist forest types. They use hollow-bearing trees for shelter and nesting, with each family group using multiple den trees within its home range. They eat mainly young eucalypt leaves, with a preference for certain species. 

Given their high dependence on forest and large hollow-bearing trees, habitat loss and fragmentation through clearing and bushfires pose a threat to greater gliders. Climate change may also contribute to the contraction of suitable habitat. Fragmented populations have a reduced ability to recolonise suitable habitat and are at risk of genetic decline.

Fun fact: Greater gliders can glide up to 100 metres! They have some other curious traits too, like big ears and extra fluffy fur that makes them look bigger than they really are.