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Narrow-toed Feather-tailed Glider (Acrobates pygmaeus)

The Narrow-toed Feather-tailed Glider is a 12 to 13 gram nocturnal marsupial and the world's smallest gliding mammal. It occurs in forests, woodlands and river redgum habitats across eastern and south-eastern mainland Australia, where clearing can remove hollow-bearing trees, communal nests and connected canopy movement routes.

Conservation status

South Australia, National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972: Endangered.

Breeding season

The following pattern is based mainly on south-eastern Australian records. Breeding timing is documented, but exact timing of dispersal and torpor varies with local conditions.

Month values are January to December. A value of 0 means not typical, 1 means occurs, and 2 means peak or highest expected risk.

  • Breeding: Breeding occurs from July to January or February in south-eastern Australia. Females may produce two litters, and a second litter may undergo embryonic diapause.
  • Young: Pouch life lasts about 9 weeks. Young then remain associated with the nest and may continue with the mother after pouch exit, so dependent young may be present through much of the breeding period.
  • Nocturnal movement and feeding: Adults are normally nocturnal and glide between trees while feeding and moving. Juveniles may disperse or die before maturity; one source reports that 90 percent of both sexes disappear from the population before maturity through dispersal or mortality.
  • Torpor and cold-weather refuge use: Torpor can occur for hours to days when temperatures fall or food is scarce. The supplied sources do not identify fixed months, so risk depends on local weather and food availability.
  • Highest clearing risk: July to February overlaps the documented breeding period, pouch occupancy and dependent young. Clearing of hollow-bearing trees, dreys, nest boxes or connected canopy is most likely to harm animals during this period.

Identification

This is a very small, mostly arboreal glider. It is difficult to see in the canopy and may look like a falling leaf when gliding.

The head and body are 65 to 80 mm long, and the tail is 70 to 80 mm long. The tail is flat and has very short fur above and below, with long, stiff hairs along both sides that give it a feather-like appearance. The tail acts as a rudder, steering and braking during glides.

Mass: About 12 to 13 g

Head and body: 65 to 80 mm

Tail: 70 to 80 mm

  • The patagium is a skin membrane used for gliding between trees.
  • The toes have large serrated adhesive pads, described in regional material as suction cups, which help the animal climb smooth and vertical surfaces.
  • Large forward-facing eyes support nocturnal vision, but eyeshine colour is not documented in the supplied sources.

Identification: Separating similar gliders

The Narrow-toed Feather-tailed Glider and Broad-toed Feather-tailed Glider are separated by toe width. The supplied regional account states that both occur in the Upper Murray and have overlapping distributions there.

  • Do not rely on size or the feathered tail alone to separate the two Acrobates species.
  • The Narrow-toed species is associated with cooler, wetter forests, while the Broad-toed species is associated with warmer inland climates and extends further west along the Murray River corridor.
  • Males and females are similar in size and weight. The available account states that males are often slightly heavier.

Identification: Field signs

Communal spherical dreys are made from eucalypt leaves, bark and tree-fern fibre. Groups have been recorded in tree hollows, nest boxes, possum dreys, bird nests and other enclosed spaces.

  • Look for small communal nests in tree hollows, old possum dreys and artificial nest boxes.
  • Groups of up to 20 individuals are reported in one source, and up to 30 in Victorian regional material. These groups are not necessarily stable associations.
  • High-frequency sounds and urine marking are reported as communication behaviours, but no species-specific call description is provided.
  • Tracks, scats, sloughs and a diagnostic eyeshine appearance are not described in the supplied documents. Spotlighting and nest-box inspection should therefore be interpreted with care.

Distribution: Range and habitats by region

The species is restricted to mainland Australia. Its documented range extends from Cape York through eastern and south-eastern Australia to the south-eastern corner of South Australia, including inland river redgum forests associated with the Murray River.

The broad national range includes Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, based on the described range from Cape York to south-eastern South Australia. The supplied sources do not provide a complete state by state occurrence list or a formal bioregion list.

It occurs in open and closed forests, and in river redgum forests along inland rivers, particularly the Murray River. Regional records include the Murray catchment, the Upper Murray and the Goulburn Broken catchment's Grey Box Grassy Woodlands.

  • Cape York and eastern Queensland are within the described mainland range.
  • Eastern and south-eastern New South Wales are within the described range, including the Murray region.
  • Victoria includes the Goulburn Broken catchment and Grey Box Grassy Woodlands records.
  • South-eastern South Australia is included in the described range, although no local stronghold is identified in the supplied sources.

Distribution: Strongholds and population information

The supplied documents identify habitat associations and regional records but do not identify population strongholds, discrete subpopulations, a national population estimate or a population trend. Animal Diversity Web describes the species as common across its geographic range, while the other documents focus on habitat use and management rather than abundance.

National population estimate: Not provided in the supplied documents

Population trend: Not provided in the supplied documents

Documented nest-box detection: 57 individuals within 7 hectares in one study, using 40 nest boxes

  • The Upper Murray is a documented area where Narrow-toed and Broad-toed Feather-tailed Gliders overlap.
  • Murray River river redgum forests and Grey Box Grassy Woodlands are documented regional habitat areas.
  • Presence should not be ruled out from a site without targeted survey, because the species is small, nocturnal and difficult to detect by spotlighting.

Habitat: Habitat types

The species uses a broad range of forest and woodland habitats, from ground level to the upper canopy. It is most relevant to projects retaining mature trees, hollow-bearing trees, connected canopy and dense nesting materials.

Recorded habitats include open forest, closed forest, savanna or grassland with trees, river redgum forest and Grey Box Grassy Woodland. It may forage on the ground, in bushes, in tall grasses and in large trees.

  • Retain mature eucalypt woodland and forest where possible.
  • Treat river redgum corridors and other inland river forests as potential habitat.
  • Assess Grey Box Grassy Woodland and other eucalypt communities for nests, hollows and canopy connections before clearing.
  • Do not assume that a site is unsuitable because the animal is sometimes detected near ground level.

Habitat: Structure and climate

The species has been observed foraging from ground level to 40 m above ground. Foraging height varies with tree species and food abundance, rather than season, in the cited study.

Recorded foraging height: Ground level to 40 m

Typical glide distance: About 14 m

Maximum glide distance reported: 28 m

  • Retain hollow-bearing trees, including dead trees where safe to do so, because the species uses hollows for shelter and nesting.
  • Retain connected canopy and short glide routes between trees. Reported average glides are about 14 m, with observations to 28 m.
  • Maintain understorey vegetation and loose bark resources used for foraging and nest construction.
  • A specific elevation limit is not provided. Regional material associates the Narrow-toed species with cooler, wetter forests, but no numerical climate or elevation boundary is given.

Foraging habitat: Diet

The Narrow-toed Feather-tailed Glider feeds mainly in eucalypts and searches foliage, loose bark and flowers. It is nocturnal and may forage from ground level to the upper canopy.

Documented foods include pollen, small insects and nectar. Other feeding observations indicate honeydew, manna, lerps and arthropods are taken from foliage and beneath loose bark. Nectar feeding has been observed but is described as uncommon in one source.

Main recorded foods: Pollen, small insects, nectar, honeydew, manna, lerps and other arthropods

Primary feeding setting: Eucalypts, including foliage and loose bark

Activity period: Mostly nocturnal

  • Inspect flowering eucalypts and other food-producing trees for potential feeding habitat.
  • Retain loose bark, foliage and understorey plants that support arthropods and honeydew-producing insects.
  • Avoid removing flowering or mature food trees during the active night period where practical.

Foraging habitat: Foraging movement

The species glides between trees while searching for food and moving through the canopy. It has been observed foraging from ground level to 40 m, with height linked to tree species and food abundance.

Reported average glide: 14 m

Observed maximum glide: 28 m

Foraging height: Ground level to 40 m

  • Retain tree-to-tree connections across likely feeding areas.
  • Identify canopy gaps and isolated trees that could force animals to descend to the ground.
  • Where clearing is unavoidable, have a suitably qualified fauna ecologist assess whether trees form a connected feeding route or contain nests.

Breeding habitat: Breeding biology

Breeding occurs during the warmer part of the year in south-eastern Australia, but females may produce two litters within a season. Breeding habitat requires enclosed nest sites, suitable nesting material and nearby food trees.

Females can produce a second litter following a post-partum oestrus. The second litter may undergo embryonic diapause, delaying development while the female raises the first litter. Pouch life lasts about 9 weeks, after which young continue developing outside the pouch.

Breeding season: July to January or February in south-eastern Australia

Litters: Usually two litters may be produced in a season

Young per litter: Usually up to four, with four teats limiting the number

Pouch life: About 9 weeks

Age at maturity: About 240 days for females in the supplied source

Lifespan: About 4 years in the supplied source; another regional account gives an average of 3 years

  • Avoid clearing or demolishing occupied hollows, nest boxes, possum dreys and other enclosed nest sites during the breeding season.
  • Before tree removal, inspect suitable hollows and dreys for signs of communal use under an approved fauna management procedure.
  • Allow for dependent young that remain associated with the nest after pouch exit.

Breeding habitat: Breeding habitat features

Communal groups use tree hollows, nest boxes, old possum dreys and other enclosed spaces. Dreys are spherical and use eucalypt leaves, bark and tree-fern fibre.

Communal group size: Up to 20 individuals in one source and up to 30 in Victorian material

Nest-box entrance used in one study: 15 to 25 mm slit

Nest-box height used in one study: 4 to 5 m above ground

  • Retain hollow-bearing trees and old possum dreys within and beside the work area.
  • Retain nearby eucalypts and other vegetation that provide leaves, bark and food during the breeding season.
  • If nest boxes are used as a management measure, seek species-specific design and placement advice. Survey guidance records narrow entrances of 15 to 25 mm and boxes installed 4 to 5 m above ground in one feathertail glider study.

Sheltering habitat: Natural and artificial refuges

Shelter is provided mainly by enclosed arboreal sites. Communal occupation helps conserve warmth, and the species can enter multi-day torpor when conditions are cold or food is scarce.

Known shelter sites include tree hollows, nest boxes, old possum dreys and bird nests. Groups have also been recorded in other enclosed spaces, including artificial structures.

Recorded shelter sites: Tree hollows, nest boxes, old possum dreys, bird nests and other enclosed spaces

Communal use: Groups of up to 20 or 30 have been reported

Formation time for suitable small hollows: About 100 years

  • Retain live and dead hollow-bearing trees where safe and practicable.
  • Inspect old possum dreys and nest boxes before removal, relocation or pruning of supporting trees.
  • Treat small hollows as habitat. The supplied Victorian material states that small hollows suitable for this species can take about 100 years to form.
  • Use nest boxes only as a supplementary measure, not as a substitute for retaining existing hollows.

Sheltering habitat: Torpor and disturbance

Torpor can last from hours to days and may lower body temperature to about 2 degrees Celsius. It reduces energy use during cold conditions or food shortage, but animals are unresponsive during torpor and may be more exposed to predators.

Torpor duration: Hours to days

Lowest body temperature reported during torpor: About 2 degrees Celsius

  • Schedule tree removal and nest disturbance with regard to the breeding season and likely cold-weather torpor.
  • Use a fauna spotter catcher for any approved removal of habitat trees or occupied nest structures.
  • Do not block or seal a suspected refuge without confirming that no animal is inside and following the project's fauna handling procedure.

Threats: Clearing and construction

The main project risks are removal of hollow-bearing trees and nests, loss of canopy connections, night-time disturbance and introduced predators. The supplied documents do not identify a species-specific disease or hydrology threat.

Loss of hollow-bearing trees removes breeding and shelter sites. Clearing and fragmentation can also break canopy routes, forcing this small arboreal species to move on the ground or across open areas.

  • Map live and dead hollow-bearing trees, old possum dreys, nest boxes and likely canopy connections before clearing.
  • Retain groups of mature trees rather than isolated habitat trees where possible.
  • Stage clearing from retained habitat towards open ground so animals have an opportunity to move away under supervision.
  • Inspect felled hollow-bearing trees and nest structures for animals, especially from July to February when breeding and dependent young are likely.

Threats: Predators, fences and roads

Recorded predators include currawongs, kookaburras, foxes and cats. Domestic cats may prey on torpid or otherwise vulnerable animals. Barbed wire can snag gliding membranes and tails.

  • Control or exclude domestic cats from work compounds and nearby retained habitat, particularly at night.
  • Manage fox risk in accordance with the project's approved pest management plan.
  • Avoid barbed wire near known glider movement routes, retained vegetation and nest trees.
  • Design temporary and permanent fencing to avoid blocking established wildlife routes and inspect fences for entanglement risk.
  • Minimise the creation of isolated roadside habitat and assess vehicle collision risk where canopy is retained beside roads.

Threats: Fire, disease and hydrology

The supplied documents do not provide a species-specific disease, fire or hydrology threshold. Fire regimes are identified as a threat to some other glider species in the Victorian material, but no direct fire response is given for Acrobates pygmaeus.

  • Protect hollow-bearing trees and communal nests during planned burns, wildfire response and vegetation maintenance.
  • Avoid burning or removing nest material without a site-specific ecological assessment.
  • Maintain the condition of river redgum and other riparian forest habitat where the project could alter water availability or inundation.
  • Record and report any signs of disease or injury, because no disease profile is provided in the supplied sources.

Threats: Survey and detection risk

Spotlighting can under-detect this species. One survey recorded one animal during 13.8 hours of spotlighting, while nest boxes recorded 57 individuals in a 7 hectare area. Another study found spotlighting detected 20 animals and nest boxes detected five, showing that detection varies between methods and sites.

Spotlighting result in one study: 1 glider in 13.8 hours

Nest-box result in one study: 57 gliders in 7 hectares using 40 boxes

General nest-box survey guidance: At least 5 boxes per hectare, with species and site conditions considered

  • Use more than one survey method where presence or absence affects a clearing decision.
  • Consider nest boxes, spotlighting and camera methods in a stratified survey design, with advice from a suitably qualified ecologist.
  • For nest-box surveys, the supplied guidance records at least five boxes per hectare as a general minimum for threatened mammal surveys, while feathertail glider studies used four boxes per hectare or 5.7 boxes per hectare.

Survey methodology: 1. Spotlighting

Survey this small, nocturnal, arboreal glider before clearing or construction where suitable trees, hollows, nest boxes or connected eucalypt vegetation may be affected. Use more than one method because spotlighting and nest boxes can produce different detection results.

Search eucalypts, connected tree canopies, nest hollows and likely glide paths after dark. The species is difficult to see while gliding and may resemble a falling leaf.

Record the start and finish time, observers, route, habitat, weather, distance searched and all detections. Feathertail Gliders may forage from ground level to 40 metres above ground, so inspect the full height of suitable trees.

Expect glides commonly exceeding 14 metres, with recorded glides of up to 28 metres. Search trees and vegetation gaps that could be used for movement between feeding and nesting sites.

Activity period: Primarily nocturnal.

Reported breeding period: July to January in south-eastern Australia, or July to February in the NSW Murray region.

Recorded glide distance: Average about 14 metres, with observations up to 28 metres.

  • Use spotlighting as one component of the survey rather than treating a non-detection as evidence of absence.
  • Give particular attention to eucalypts, loose bark, foliage, nest hollows, possum dreys and dense vegetation where the species may forage or shelter.

Survey methodology: 2. Nest-box inspection and deployment

Inspect existing nest boxes and suitable natural hollows for communal groups, nesting material and animals. The species uses tree hollows, nest boxes and old possum dreys.

Where nest boxes are used for detection, use narrow entrances. The survey guideline reports feathertail gliders using boxes with 15 to 25 millimetre slit entrances, installed 4 to 5 metres above ground.

Inspect boxes with the minimum disturbance needed to confirm use, and record box location, height, entrance design, occupancy, nesting material and inspection dates.

Reported nest-box placement: Four to five metres above ground.

Reported entrance size: 15 to 25 millimetres wide slit.

Survey guideline example: 57 individuals were recorded in nest boxes within 7 hectares, compared with one individual during 13.8 hours of spotlighting at that study.

  • Do not rely on one nest-box design or on nest boxes alone, because studies have reported different detection rates for spotlighting and nest boxes.
  • For a targeted nest-box survey, consider at least five boxes per hectare as the general minimum stated in the survey guideline for threatened species that may use boxes, while recognising that this species is not nationally listed and that local approval and study design still apply.
  • Allow for at least two site visits when using nest boxes, because installation and inspection are separate activities.

Survey methodology: 3. Remote cameras and supplementary methods

Use motion or heat-triggered cameras at nest-box entrances, tree hollows, likely feeding trees and movement routes where direct observation is difficult. Cameras can assist with nocturnal and elusive mammals and can provide a permanent record.

Position cameras so that the animal can be identified from its size, tail and climbing or gliding behaviour, and record the camera location, operating dates, trigger settings and independent camera effort.

Treat hair tubes as supplementary only. The guideline records that one hair-tube design did not detect Acrobates pygmaeus, although the method detected other small arboreal mammals.

Camera method: Passive cameras use heat and motion detection; active systems use an infrared beam.

Hair-tube example: Tubes were placed 2 to 6 metres above ground for 2 to 3 weeks in the cited arboreal survey method, but the cited design did not detect this species.

  • Use cameras with spotlighting or nest-box inspections rather than as the sole method where a decision depends on detecting presence.
  • Have an experienced person confirm photographs or hair identifications, because identification from images or hair can be difficult.

Survey methodology: Minimum effort and reporting

  • Use a survey design that covers each representative habitat type and all trees, hollows, nest boxes and connected vegetation proposed for disturbance.
  • For nest-box surveys, document the number of boxes per hectare, entrance dimensions, height, installation date and every inspection.
  • For camera surveys, document the number of cameras, operating nights, locations and any equipment failures.
  • Record every sighting, call, photograph, nest, hollow inspection and sign of communal use, including the date, time, coordinates, observer and confidence of identification.
  • Submit confirmed records and important negative survey results to the relevant state or territory wildlife database, and provide records required by the project approval, land manager or regulator.
  • Retain raw photographs, camera files, field sheets, GPS data and nest-box inspection records with the project fauna documentation.

Before habitat disturbance: Avoid and minimise habitat loss

Plan the work around the species' dependence on eucalypt canopy, tree hollows, communal nests and connected vegetation. The species is small and can be missed during a conventional ground inspection, so habitat checks must include trees and canopy-level features.

Retain mature and hollow-bearing eucalypts, dead standing trees and trees with suitable small hollows wherever practicable. Small hollows suitable for feathertail gliders may take about 100 years to form.

Retain connected groups of trees and vegetation between feeding and nesting areas. The species generally glides between trees and may be exposed to predators when forced to travel on the ground.

Retain old possum dreys, nest boxes, dense vegetation and loose-bark habitat unless a qualified ecologist has confirmed that they are not being used.

Communal group size reported: Up to 20 individuals in and up to 30 individuals in.

Typical food resources: Pollen, nectar, small insects, honeydew, manna, lerps and arthropods.

  • Map all hollow-bearing trees, nest boxes, possum dreys, communal nests and likely glide gaps before finalising the clearing footprint.
  • Keep retained habitat outside construction compounds, access tracks, stockpiles, drainage works and lighting zones where practicable.
  • Avoid barbed wire near retained habitat and known movement routes, because gliders can become caught on barbed wire and suffer injury or death.
  • Use the smallest practicable clearing footprint and stage clearing so retained habitat remains connected during the works.

Before habitat disturbance: Approvals and work planning

Check the current Commonwealth and state or territory listing before work starts. The supplied sources record the species as not listed in the Victorian listing, but approvals and permit requirements must be checked for the project jurisdiction.

Confirm whether clearing, tree removal, nest-box disturbance, animal handling, relocation or wildlife rehabilitation requires a permit, accredited fauna spotter catcher or other approval.

Prepare a fauna management plan that identifies survey results, habitat to be retained, clearing limits, fauna handling arrangements, stop-work triggers, emergency contacts and reporting requirements.

  • Seek an EPBC Act referral or other Commonwealth approval if the species or affected ecological community is nationally listed or otherwise protected under the proposed action.
  • Obtain all relevant state or territory approvals before disturbing habitat or handling fauna.
  • Schedule clearing outside the local breeding period where practicable, noting that breeding is reported from July to January in south-eastern Australia and July to February in the NSW Murray region.
  • Stage works around occupied nests, hollows and communal groups so animals are not isolated from retained habitat.

Before habitat disturbance: Pre-clearance preparation

Complete a pre-clearance inspection close to the start of works, including trees, hollows, nest boxes, possum dreys, dense canopy and the ground below likely glide routes.

Clearly mark the approved clearing boundary and all trees, nest boxes and habitat features to be retained. Brief the clearing crew and machinery operators before each shift.

Install exclusion fencing where it can keep machinery and people away from retained trees, nest boxes and identified fauna habitat without blocking animal movement routes.

Confirm that the fauna spotter catcher has the required authority, equipment, transport arrangements, release sites and contacts for a veterinarian or wildlife carer.

  • Reinspect habitat if clearing is delayed, if a storm changes tree condition, or if new nests or animals are reported.
  • Check nest boxes and likely hollows for occupation before felling or relocating a tree.
  • Do not place exclusion fencing across a known glider movement route unless the fauna management plan provides an alternative.

During habitat disturbance: Daily controls and machinery interface

Use a controlled clearing process with an authorised fauna spotter catcher present. The spotter catcher must be able to stop machinery before a tree, nest, animal or other habitat feature is disturbed.

Hold a daily pre-start briefing covering the clearing boundary, retained trees, nest boxes, known detections, access routes, weather or site changes and the stop-work procedure.

The fauna spotter catcher must inspect each work area immediately before clearing and remain close enough to communicate directly with the operator and stop machinery safely.

Clear progressively towards retained vegetation or another approved safe area, where the site layout allows, so animals have an opportunity to move away from machinery.

Use low-speed, controlled operations around trees, hollows, nest boxes and fallen timber, and prevent machinery from entering marked exclusion areas.

  • Stop work immediately when the spotter catcher gives the stop signal or when an animal, occupied nest, unstable hollow-bearing tree or unassessed habitat feature is found.
  • Restart only after the spotter catcher and site supervisor have assessed the feature, recorded the decision and confirmed the control measure.
  • Keep domestic cats, dogs and unnecessary people away from retained habitat and any release site.

During habitat disturbance: Habitat feature handling

Treat hollow-bearing trees, dead standing trees, fallen logs, dense nest material and nest boxes as fauna habitat until inspected and cleared by the authorised fauna spotter catcher.

Do not fell a tree containing a nest or animal until the fauna spotter catcher has implemented the approved procedure, which may include delaying work, section felling or retaining the tree.

If a tree must be felled, use the approved staged or section-felling method and inspect the tree, cut sections, hollows and ground immediately after each step.

Keep suitable logs, bark, leaf litter and other retained habitat features in place where they are within the approved footprint and safe to retain.

  • Do not seal, move or destroy a nest box, hollow or possum drey without an inspection and approval under the fauna management plan.
  • Do not assume an empty hollow is unused, because the species may shelter in hollows and communal nests during the day.
  • Protect retained trees and nest boxes from root damage, soil compaction, vehicle impact, vibration, dust and excessive night lighting.

During habitat disturbance: Animal capture, relocation and incident response

If a Narrow-toed Feather-tailed Glider is found, stop the immediate activity and allow the fauna spotter catcher to assess it. Do not permit untrained workers to catch, handle or release it.

Use only handling, containment and release methods approved by the relevant authority and the project fauna management plan. Keep handling time and exposure to heat, cold, noise and predators as low as practicable.

Release a healthy animal into nearby retained habitat that is suitable for the species and approved for the project. Do not release it into isolated trees, an active work area or habitat that has not been assessed.

Take an injured, cold, exhausted or otherwise compromised animal to an appropriately qualified veterinarian or authorised wildlife carer as soon as practicable, following the relevant permit conditions.

  • Record the species, number of animals, condition, exact location, time, action taken, release location, handler and any photographs.
  • Stop work and obtain advice if an animal cannot be safely captured, if more animals are found than the approved procedure covers, or if the proposed release site is unavailable.
  • Report injury, death, unauthorised handling, nest destruction and any breach of the fauna management plan to the project environmental officer and regulator where required.

After habitat disturbance: Post-clearance checks

Complete the clearance process with documented checks and maintain protection of retained habitat. Post-clearance work should confirm that animals, nests and habitat features were not missed during machinery operations.

Inspect the cleared area, felled tree sections, hollows, nest boxes, possum dreys and ground beneath trees after clearing has stopped and before the area is handed to construction crews.

Search retained trees and vegetation for animals displaced by clearing, fresh nest material, damaged hollows and signs that a communal nest has been disturbed.

Reinspect any area where visibility was poor, machinery entered outside the approved footprint, or a tree or habitat feature changed after the pre-clearance inspection.

  • Keep fauna exclusion controls in place until the spotter catcher and environmental officer confirm that the area is clear and safe for the next work stage.
  • If a live animal, injured animal or occupied nest is found, apply the during-disturbance stop-work and handling procedure again.
  • Record the final cleared area, retained trees, retained nest boxes, fauna incidents and unresolved risks.

After habitat disturbance: Monitoring and reporting

Monitor retained habitat and any relocated or replacement nest boxes using the approved survey methods. Use spotlighting, nest-box inspections or cameras as appropriate to the site and approval conditions.

Compare post-work records with pre-work detections, including communal nest locations, tree hollows, habitat connections and any evidence of continued use.

Maintain exclusion fencing, lighting controls and machinery restrictions while construction continues near retained habitat.

  • Report survey effort in nights, observer hours, camera nights, nest-box inspections and area covered, rather than reporting only the number of animals found.
  • Submit confirmed records and incident information to the relevant state or territory wildlife database and to the approval authority where required.
  • Update the fauna management plan when monitoring identifies new habitat use, failed controls, injury, mortality or a need for further protection.

After habitat disturbance: Offsets and residual impacts

Assess any unavoidable loss of hollow-bearing trees, communal nesting habitat or connected eucalypt vegetation against the approval conditions and applicable state or territory offset policy.

Where an offset or compensatory action is required, specify the habitat feature being replaced, the management area, responsible party, timeframe and monitoring measures.

Do not treat nest boxes as a permanent substitute for mature hollow-bearing trees. The sources describe them as a short-term or supplementary response to the shortage of natural hollows.

  • Retain all feasible natural hollows before relying on nest boxes or offsets.
  • Document why residual impacts could not be avoided or minimised and how the approved offset will be delivered.
  • Include the species in the site completion report if it was detected, handled, injured, killed, relocated or recorded using retained habitat.

Rehabilitation actions: Planting and habitat structure

Restore connected eucalypt habitat that supplies food, shelter and movement routes. Rehabilitation will not quickly replace mature hollow-bearing trees, so protect existing trees while planted vegetation develops.

Plant locally indigenous eucalypts and understorey species suited to the site and the species' reference vegetation community. The glider feeds in eucalypts and uses foliage, loose bark and flowering resources.

Design planting to reconnect retained trees and reduce open gaps that would force gliders to travel on the ground. The species has an average recorded glide of about 14 metres and has been observed gliding up to 28 metres.

Retain dead standing trees and fallen timber where safe, and protect regenerating trees from stock, vehicles, weeds and other damage.

Food recorded for the species: Pollen, nectar, small insects, honeydew, manna, lerps and arthropods.

Recorded foraging height: Ground level to 40 metres above ground.

  • Use locally appropriate flowering and pollen-producing plants to support the species' food resources, while avoiding unverified plant lists where the reference community is unknown.
  • Do not remove loose bark, fallen branches, logs or leaf litter unnecessarily from rehabilitation areas.
  • Prevent barbed-wire entanglement by using wildlife-friendly fencing and by marking known movement routes during fence design.

Rehabilitation actions: Hollows and nest boxes

Retain every feasible hollow-bearing tree because suitable small hollows may take about 100 years to form.

Install species-suitable nest boxes only where they are part of an approved habitat plan, and place them in retained or restored habitat rather than isolated trees.

Use narrow nest-box entrances and inspect boxes for occupation, nesting material, damage and use by non-target species.

Hollow development period cited for small wildlife hollows: About 100 years.

Communal nesting: Groups of up to 20 or 30 individuals are reported in the supplied sources.

  • Use the survey guideline's reported feathertail-glider box parameters as a starting point: 15 to 25 millimetre slit entrances and 4 to 5 metres above ground.
  • Treat nest boxes as supplementary habitat while planted trees mature, not as a replacement for natural hollows.
  • Record box design, location, height, installation date, inspection dates, occupancy and maintenance actions.

Rehabilitation actions: Predator, weed and fire management

Control invasive weeds so planted understorey and natural regeneration can develop into connected cover and retain food-producing plants.

Manage domestic cats and other introduced predators around retained and rehabilitated habitat. The supplied sources identify cats and foxes as predators and warn that cats can cause local loss of small glider populations.

Apply fire planning that protects retained trees, hollows, nest boxes, communal nests and developing understorey. Set fire objectives and controls with the land manager and relevant authority because the supplied sources do not specify a species-specific fire interval.

  • Inspect rehabilitation areas for predator activity, damaged nest boxes, fencing hazards, weed reinvasion and tree mortality.
  • Do not burn or mechanically clear a rehabilitation area until a fauna inspection has checked hollows, nests, logs and dense cover.
  • Use project-approved monitoring to measure tree and understorey survival, connected canopy development, nest-box use, predator controls and confirmed glider detections.
  • Set completion criteria that include survival of planted vegetation, protection of retained hollows, functioning wildlife-friendly fencing and evidence that habitat controls remain in place.

Sources