The greater glider is Australia’s largest gliding mammal. Two morphologically and genetically distinct species are currently recognised: the northern greater glider (Petauroides minor ) north of Bowen in central Queensland, and the southern and central greater glider (Petauroides volans ) below this.

Did you know?

Greater gliders have adapted to feed almost exclusively on eucalyptus leaves, leading to an enlarged caecum that assists in breaking down the cellulose — much like the koala.

Home range

• Generally, the home range for greater gliders is between 0.7-3 hectares and tends to have a population density of 0.01-5 individuals per hectare. The home ranges of females can overlap with males and females however for the males the home ranges never overlap.
• Natural predators in their range are large owl species, spotted-tailed quolls, goannas, and carpet pythons.
• They are known to use a large number of hollows within the home range, and they can use between 2-18 different hollows. They do not appear to build a nest as such, however, occasionally there is a lining of leaves.

Distribution

• Greater gliders occur down the east coast of Australia in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. They do not occur in the far north region of Queensland.

Description

• Body measurements:
  • Head-body length, 350-460 mm
  • Tail length, 450-600 mm
  • Weight, 900-1700 grams
• Greater gliders have highly varied colouration ranging from a light grey almost white colour to a very dark sooty grey.
  • The southern and central greater glider is found in three colour variations: sooty brown, grey-to-white, and silvery brown.
  • The northern greater glider is brownish-grey with a pale belly.
• Greater gliders have a very long furry tail, and the most distinctive feature is their large furry ears (teddy-bear ears). Interestingly, despite being proportionally long, the tail is not prehensile.
• Unlike most gliders — such as the Australian sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps) — its gliding membranes don’t extend all the way from its wrists to its ankles. Instead, the greater glider’s gliding membrane stretches from its elbows to its ankles.
• Greater gliders can glide up to 100 metres and change direction up to 90 degrees as well.

Signs

• Considered silent and is rarely heard, however, will produce a grunt or hiss when threatened.
• Large scratches on trees from landing are also a sign to look for.
• Droppings are about the size and shape of a slightly flattened pea (5-10 mm).
• Eyes shine in an intense white colour when spotlighted and in some rare populations, the shine is a pale red colour.

Habitat

• Wide range of habitats including tall open woodland, eucalypt forests and low woodlands.
• They do not occur in rainforests.
• They prefer habitats that are in older forests and have a large number of hollows.

Ecology

Life history

• Generally, greater gliders are not considered social, however, males and females will share a den at the onset of breeding. Males usually use more den sites than females and the den sites are usually located in the centre of their home range.

Breeding

• Mating occurs between March and June. Births occur between April and June, with only 1 young per litter.
• Greater gliders only produce 1 litter per year, and they can live up to 15 years.
• Young leave the pouch at 3-4 months. Following this, for the next 3 months, they are either left at the nest or ride on the mother’s back except during glides. Young are independent at 8-10 months.

Food

• Greater gliders feed mainly on eucalypt leaves.
  • They prefer young leaves due to their high levels of nitrogen and low levels of fibre
  • They prefer leaves from the ribbon, mountain and narrow-leaved peppermint eucalypt tree
  • They are known to feed on the buds and flowers of eucalypts
• They are also known to feed on the young cones of the radiata pine tree, phyllodes of acacia plants and even mistletoe.

More information

More species

Sugar gliders