The Greatest Gliders Live in the Redlands

The greatest of all gliders is the Greater Glider, one of Australia's most beautiful animals. Greater Gliders live in eucalyptus woodland along the east coast of Australia, and, amazingly, there are still a small number surviving in Redland Shire.

Like the Koala, the Greater Glider feeds almost exclusively on eucalyptus leaves.

However, unlike the Koala, the Greater Glider is seldom seen. This is because they are a nocturnal animal. If you wish to see these marvelous animals, you need to go out at night and use a torch or spotlight. Seeing a Greater Glider in the wild is one of Redlands' most rewarding wildlife experiences.

They are easily recognised by their large fringed ears and very long fluffy tail. They come in a variety of colours, from black through to snowy white.

These animals are well adapted for moving around the forest, as they are able to glide from tree to tree. They are agile climbers, but clumsy when forced down to the ground, where they are likely to fall prey to cats, dogs and foxes.

Whilst they are usually a solitary animal, they can be seen in breeding pairs around Autumn. Young Greater Gliders will stay in the pouch for approximately three months, and will remain in Mum's care for up to nine months.

They are a territorial animal and rely on hollows in eucalyptus trees for protection during daylight hours. Without these older hollow trees, the Greater Glider would become locally extinct.

The conservation of the Greater Glider in Redland Shire is dependent on the enlightened management of bushland areas and the preservation of old 'habitat' trees, together with sufficient regeneration of trees to replace the old ones as they die.

Without suitable tree hollows, the Greater Glider cannot inhabit local bushland. These animals are highly territorial and cannot be relocated.

Other threats include:

• the selective clearing of bushland areas, which reduces the available food supply below what is needed to sustain the population;

• competition with Koalas and other possums for food and shelter in the rapidly dwindling habitat areas;

• predators, such as dogs, cats, foxes and powerful owls; and

• fire - excessive fire has reduced several areas to the point where once prime Greater Glider habitat is now unsuitable.

What can you do to help these wonderful night creatures?

1. Lobby your local Council and State Government to let them know that these animals are valued, and their habitat must be protected.

2. Join the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland, and add your weight to our efforts to ensure the bushland areas are retained and enhanced for the benefit of both wildlife and people.