Details
Petauroides volans
The greater glider is a nocturnal marsupial of Australian forests. Solitary and arboreal, it glides between trees rather than moving on the ground.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It depends on forest with large trees and hollows. Eucalypt foliage provides food, and hollows are important daytime shelters.
Body length is about 35-45 cm and weight about 900-1,700 g. Large ears, a long tail, and gliding membranes allow quiet movement through the canopy.
Nocturnal individuals use solitary ranges. They feed in trees and rarely descend to the ground.
It is herbivorous, feeding mainly on eucalypt leaves. Because the diet is low in energy, its lifestyle tends to be economical and deliberate.
The young is born undeveloped and grows in the mother's pouch. After emerging, it may remain near the mother or den site for some time.
Its status is listed as Endangered. Loss of hollow-bearing forest and fire impacts are major concerns.
