Southern Greater Glider Project

The Southern Greater Glider (Petauroides volans)—Australia’s largest gliding marsupial—is facing a silent crisis. Once common throughout the eastern coast of Australia, this nocturnal, tree-dwelling species was officially listed as endangered in 2022 due to rapid population declines.

The primary threats to Southern Greater Gliders include habitat loss and the removal of old-growth, hollow-bearing trees, bushfires and the increased frequency of extreme weather events, climate change, drought, and rising temperatures and urban development, causing habitat fragmentation

Southern Greater Gliders grow up to a metre in length (including their long, bushy tail) and are known for their thick, soft fur, large fluffy ears, and broad gliding membranes. Unlike other gliders such as Sugar Gliders, they don't flap their limbs when gliding—instead, they soar up to 100 metres between trees using their tail for balance.

These marsupials rely exclusively on tree hollows for nesting and shelter, making them incredibly vulnerable to deforestation and land clearing. Without natural hollows, their survival is jeopardised.

At Symbio Wildlife Park, we’re proud to have developed a  conservation program to support Southern Greater Gliders in our own backyard—the Illawarra Escarpment. The project is a collaborative partnership between Symbio, the University of Wollongong, and landholder group GM3.