Indicative distribution
The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas.
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click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Petaurus norfolcensis - endangered population
Gazetted date:
07 Jul 2000
Profile last updated:
18 Oct 2022
Description
Adult Squirrel Gliders have a head and body length of about 20 cm. They have bluish-grey to brownish-grey fur above, white on the belly and the end third of the tail is black. There is a dark stripe from between the eyes to the mid-back and the tail is soft and bushy averaging about 27 cm long. This species is up to twice the size of the Sugar Glider Petaurus breviceps, its facial markings are more distinct and it nests in a bowl-shaped, leaf-lined nest in a tree-hollow. This species is also less vocal than Sugar Gliders.
Distribution
The extent of the endangered population is legally defined by the boundaries of the Wagga Wagga LGA. The distribution of the Squirrel Glider and its known or potential habitats within, or linked across, this boundary is not well defined. However, potential habitat occurs at low densities and is patchily distributed on public lands (TSRs, NPWS reserves, Bush Heritage Trust reserves), private lands and roadside corridors with remnant vegetation.
Habitat and ecology
- Inhabits a wide range of open forest, woodland and riverine forest habitats. Utilise remnants of various sizes, including small remnants and even small stands of trees within Travelling Stock Reserves, roadside reserves or private land. Often utilise linear remnant vegetation along roadsides or rivers and streams.
- Eucalypt species known to provide suitable denning and foraging resources include (but are not restricted to): Blakely’s Red Gum (Eucalyptus blakelyi), Grey Box (E. microcarpa), Red Box (E. polyanthemos), Mugga Ironbark (E. sideroxylon), River Red Gum (E. camaldulensis), White Box (E. albens) and Yellow Box (E. melliodora).
- Some Acacia species are also a key foraging habitat at certain times of the year.
- Live in family groups and require abundant tree hollows for refuge and nest sites, so are more likely to inhabit mature or old growth forest. Nests are bowl-shaped and leaf lined. Two young are born between May and December and den with a single adult male and one or more adult females until the next offspring appear.
- The diet varies seasonally and consists primarily of nectar, pollen, plant exudates and invertebrates. Plant exudates such as Acacia gum, eucalypt sap, nectar, honeydew and manna provide carbohydrates while invertebrates and pollen provide protein.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Loss and fragmentation of habitat.
- Loss or reduction in numbers of hollow-bearing trees from forestry activities and timber collecting.
- Loss of flowering understorey and midstorey shrubs in forests and woodlands.
- Individuals can get caught in barbed wire fences while gliding.
Recovery strategies
A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.
Activities to assist this species
- Ensure sufficient hollow-bearing-trees and future hollow-bearing-trees are maintained within remnants of habitat.
- Retain understorey feed trees such as wattles and protect these from grazing.
- Replace top one or two strands of barbed wire on fences with regular wire in and nearby areas of known habitat.
- Retain and protect areas of open forest and woodland habitat, particularly those containing tree hollows.
Information sources
- Davy, S. (1984) Habitat preferences of arboreal marsupials within a coastal forest in southern NSW. Pp. 509-16 in Smith, A.P. and Hume, I.D. (eds.) Possums and Gliders. Surrey Beatty and Sons, Sydney.
- Menkhorst, P. and Knight, F. (2001) A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia. Oxford Uni Press, Melbourne.
- NSW Scientific Committee (2000) Squirrel glider population, Wagga Wagga Local Government Area - Endangered population determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
- Suckling, G.C. (1995) Squirrel Glider Petaurus norfolcensis. Pp. 234-5 in Strahan, R. (ed.) The Mammals of Australia. Reed Books, Chatswood.
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