Greater Glider
Photo © Steve Parish Publishing

Greater gliders are the largest glider. This species is also the most variable in colour; individuals range from charcoal black to creamy white, even within the one population.

Description

Body length 400mm; tail length 500mm; weight 1500g. Cat-sized. Body charcoal to creamy white (Northern Greater glider is uniform brown above with a pale belly). Ears large and furry (teddy-bear ears). Gliding membrane stretches from elbow to ankle.

Identification

Droppings the size and shape of slightly flattened peas. Silent.

Habitat

Eucalypt forests and woodlands from rainforest margins to inland rivers. In drier areas, Greater gliders only occur in riverine Eucalypt forests; absent from adjoining forests and woodlands.

Threats

Cats, clearing, barbed-wire fences

Status

Common, although regionally threatened in south-east Queensland by urbanisation.

Food

Eucalypt leaves, rarely gum blossoms

Distribution

See map