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:
06 Sep 1996
Profile last updated:
13 Nov 2024
Description
A nocturnal mammal, very similar to the more common and smaller Sugar Glider. However, the Squirrel Glider has a longer more pointed face, longer and narrower ears and a bushier tail. Fur is blue-grey to brown-grey above and white or cream below. A distinctive dark mid-dorsal stripe which extends from between the eyes to the mid back. Tail is bushy and is covered with grey to black fur. Vocalisation is a deep and throaty gurgling chatter.
Distribution
Occurs in eastern Australia extending from north eastern Queensland through eastern NSW and down through northern and central Victoria. The endangered population is within the Pittwater Local Government Area on the Barrenjoey Peninsula, north of Bushrangers Hill.
Habitat and ecology
- NSW: occurs on the coast in a range of habitats including low scrubby eucalypt woodlands and banksia thickets to tall, wet eucalypt forests bordering on rainforest .
- The availability of a year-round supply of carbohydrates (nectar, sap, gum, and honeydew) appears to be an important habitat feature. In NSW, this corresponds to a high diversity of tree and shrub species, including a high nectar producing species and one or more winter flowering species.
- In Pittwater, important food sources are likely to be the winter flowering Coast Banksia (Banksia integrifolia) and Spotted Gum (Corymbia maculata) and the summer flowering Old Man Banksia (B. serrata) and Grey Ironbark (Eucalyptus paniculata). Other likely food sources include Angophora costata, Banksia spinulosa, Corymbia gummifera, Eucalyptus botryoides, E. punctata, E. robusta, Melaleuca quinquernervia, mistletoes and Xanthorrhoea species.
- This animal will gouge and lick incisions on the trunks and main branches of Eucalyptus, Corymbia and Angophora trees to feed on sap and on Acacia trees and shrubs to feed on gum, especially when nectar is in short supply.
- Tree hollows are an important habitat feature providing den sites for raising young. Hollows can be found in trees of the following genera Eucalyptus, Corymbia and Angophora. Other species such as Melaleuca quinquenervia can also provide suitable hollows.
- A family group consists of 2-9 individuals, one male and at least two adult females and their dependent offspring, which shelter by day and breed in leaf lined nests in tree hollows. Litter size is one to two and the young remain in the pouch for about 70 days, after which they stay in the nest for another 30 days, and are weaned at four months.
- Births may occur throughout the year, usually with peak in winter. Most females exhibit the capacity to raise two litters per year. Young gliders disperse at a mean age of 12.5 months.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Habitat loss, modification and fragmentation due to urban development.
- Predation by cats, dogs, and foxes.
- Death or injury by fire and motor vehicles.
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
- Control of predators (dog, cat, & fox).
- Protect areas of known and potential habitat from clearing and further fragmentation.
- Habitat enhancement by planting key feed and habitat trees.
- Restore degraded habitat using bush regeneration techniques.
- Maintain and enhance wildlife corridors.
- Rehabilitation of sick, injured or orphaned animals.
Information sources
- NSW Scientific Committee (1996) Squirrel glider population, Barrenjoey Peninsula - Endangered population determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
- Quinn D.G. (1995) Population Ecology of the Squirrel Glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) and the Sugar Glider (P. breviceps) (Marsupialia: Petauridae) at Limeburners Creek, on the Central North Coast of New South Wales. Wildlife Research 22: 471-505.
- Sharpe D.J. and Goldingay, R.L. (1998) Feeding behaviour of the squirrel glider at Bungawalbri Nature Reserve, north-eastern New South Wales. Wildlife Research 25: 243-254.
- Smith, P. and Smith, J. (2000) Management Plan for threatened fauna and flora in Pittwater. Report to Pittwater Council. P & J Smith Ecological Consultants, Blaxland.
- Suckling, G.C. (1995) Squirrel Glider Petaurus norfolcensis. Pp. 234-5 in Strahan, R. (ed.) The Mammals of Australia. Reed Books, Chatswood.
- Williams, R. (1990) Possums and Gliders. in the Care and Handling of Australian Native Animals, SJ.J. Hand (ed) Surrey Beatty and Sons, Chipping Norton.
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