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Northern Greater Glider (Petauroides minor)

The Northern Greater Glider is a large, nocturnal, mostly solitary gliding possum found in north eastern Queensland, from around Townsville to the Windsor Tablelands. On works sites, it depends on connected eucalypt vegetation and old hollow bearing trees, so clearing, canopy gaps and hollow loss can cause direct harm and movement barriers. It is listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act and in Queensland, and is protected as an EVNT species.

Conservation status

Commonwealth, EPBC Act 1999: Vulnerable.

Queensland, Nature Conservation Act 1992: Vulnerable.

Breeding season

Northern Greater Gliders give birth to one young from March to June in north-eastern Queensland. Breeding biology is poorly known, so the timing of mating, pouch dependence and weaning should be treated as approximate and may vary between regions and years.

Breeding mode: Marsupial. The species is predominantly solitary, with a polygamous mating system inferred from overlapping male and female home ranges.

Litter size: One young.

Birth period: March to June.

Incubation or gestation: Not recorded.

Fledging or weaning: Not recorded.

Age at maturity: Sometime in the second year.

Breeding and shelter sites: Females and young use tree hollows. Individuals use multiple dens, with large hollows greater than 10 cm in diameter preferred.

Timing may vary between north-eastern Queensland regions and years, and the species' breeding and dependent-young periods remain incompletely documented.

  • Breeding and births: Births are recorded from March to June, but the timing of mating is not documented for this species.
  • Single dependent young: One young is produced, but the duration of pouch dependence and later den dependence is not recorded.
  • Day sheltering in tree hollows: The nocturnal species rests in tree hollows during the day and uses multiple dens across its habitat.
  • Nocturnal foraging and movement: Adults are arboreal and nocturnal, with no documented seasonal migration period.
  • Highest clearing risk: Clearing from March to June has the greatest potential to affect females with young, while hollow loss can harm the species in every month.

Identification: Appearance and measurements

The Northern Greater Glider is a large arboreal marsupial with a gliding membrane between the forearm and tibia. It is nocturnal and can be difficult to detect unless trees are spotlighted carefully after dark.

The fur is dusky brown above, often with a darker stripe along the back, and whitish below. The tail is not prehensile.

The species has a slender body, short ears and a shorter tail than the Southern and Central Greater Glider.

  • Head and body length: 32 to 40 cm.
  • Tail length: 40 to 48 cm.
  • Weight: 650 to 1100 g.
  • Females are larger than males.

Identification: Calls and similar species

There is no reliable species specific call or echolocation feature to use for identification in the field. Treat a large gliding possum seen in suitable northern Queensland habitat as a possible Northern Greater Glider until checked by an experienced ecologist.

The main similar species are the Southern and Central Greater Glider, Petauroides volans, and the Inland Greater Glider, Petauroides armillatus. Range, body shape, ear length, tail length and expert review may be needed for confirmation.

Identification: Field signs

Look for the animal in mature eucalypt trees during night spotlighting. Daytime searches should focus on large hollow bearing trees and likely den hollows.

Droppings, nests, whitewash, stains and odour are not reliable identification features for this species. Do not assume that an apparently unused hollow is vacant.

  • Use a quiet, systematic spotlight search across the canopy and hollow bearing trees.
  • Record the tree location, hollow position, animal behaviour and direction of travel.
  • Avoid close approach or repeated disturbance of an occupied den.

Distribution: Range in Australia

The Northern Greater Glider occurs only in Queensland, in the wet dry tropical region of north eastern Australia. Its distribution is patchy, with isolated subpopulations and reduced area of occupancy.

The range extends from around Townsville north to the Windsor Tablelands. It includes parts of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and isolated subpopulations around the Gregory Range and Gilbert Plateau west of Townsville, Blackbraes National Park and the Einasleigh Uplands.

  • Mapped state: Queensland.
  • Regional range: north eastern Queensland.
  • Known landscape context: Townsville to the Windsor Tablelands.
  • No overseas range is recognised.

Distribution: Site assessment

A site can remain relevant even when local records are absent. The species is patchily distributed, and survey coverage is limited across parts of its range.

Check regional records, habitat mapping and recent clearing history before finalising the survey area. Extend the assessment into adjoining connected forest where canopy movement or dispersal may occur.

  • Search mature eucalypt forest and woodland, especially wetter or higher elevation areas.
  • Give additional attention to isolated habitat patches and vegetation corridors connected to larger forest.
  • Treat likely habitat as potentially occupied until suitable surveys are completed.

Habitat: Vegetation and landform

The Northern Greater Glider is mainly associated with eucalypt forests and woodlands containing mature trees, abundant hollows and a suitable food tree mix. Habitat quality varies with forest structure, forage quality, elevation, moisture and connectivity.

Suitable habitat includes open woodland to open forest, particularly at higher elevations and in wetter parts of the landscape. Forests with a diverse eucalypt canopy can provide a broader range of seasonal food resources.

In the Einasleigh Uplands, high densities have been recorded in open woodland or open forest on gently undulating sandplain plateaus, and in open forest on high plateaus with eucalypts, lemon scented gum and white mahogany.

  • Mature eucalypt forest and woodland.
  • High elevation, wetter sites and sheltered gullies.
  • Coastal lowlands and southern slopes that retain suitable cool microclimates.
  • Unburnt or lightly affected refuges within or beside recently burnt areas.

Habitat: Habitat features to retain

Large contiguous forest is preferred, but smaller patches can remain important when they connect to larger habitat areas. Potential habitat can also include currently unoccupied forest where future hollow development could support recolonisation.

Retain the full vertical structure of the vegetation where possible. Large trees, hollow bearing trees, preferred canopy species, understorey cover and connecting canopy all contribute to habitat value.

  • Mature and old trees with hollows.
  • Preferred eucalypt food trees as dominant canopy trees.
  • Connected canopy between forest patches.
  • Cool, sheltered and fire protected parts of the site.
  • Regenerating areas that can replace future hollow bearing trees.

Foraging habitat: Food trees and canopy

The Northern Greater Glider is primarily folivorous. It feeds mainly on young leaves from a restricted range of eucalypts, with buds and flowers supplementing the diet.

Look for mature eucalypt forest with a diverse canopy and good forage quality. Preferred food tree species vary by region and can change seasonally, so avoid removing apparently low value canopy trees without considering the wider food tree mix.

The species obtains most of its water from leaves, with dew on leaf surfaces likely providing additional moisture.

  • Eucalypt dominated open woodland and open forest.
  • A mix of eucalypt species across the site.
  • Healthy canopy with young foliage, buds and flowers.
  • Continuous or well connected canopy for movement between feeding areas.

Foraging habitat: Field application

Map food trees, hollow bearing trees and connected canopy before clearing. Retain groups of mature trees rather than isolated trees where practicable, especially beside gullies, drainage lines and forest edges.

Where clearing cannot be avoided, keep adjoining forage habitat connected and minimise the width and duration of canopy gaps.

  • Avoid unnecessary removal of mature canopy trees.
  • Protect adjacent trees from root damage, compaction and construction impact.
  • Stage clearing so animals have a connected route towards retained habitat.
  • Use a fauna spotter catcher when clearing potential habitat or hollow bearing trees.

Breeding habitat: Breeding places

Breeding information for the Northern Greater Glider is limited, but females are reported to produce a single young from March to June. Breeding and raising young depend on secure denning hollows in mature trees.

Large hollow bearing trees provide the most relevant breeding and denning habitat on a works site. The species may use several dens across its habitat, so one vacant looking hollow does not demonstrate that a tree has no breeding value.

Protect hollow bearing trees and adjoining canopy throughout site preparation, clearing and construction.

  • Mature trees with large hollows.
  • Connected forest around den trees.
  • Sheltered habitat that provides safe movement to feeding areas.
  • Replacement trees that can develop hollows over the long term.

Breeding habitat: Timing and site controls

A single young is reported from March to June. Avoid disturbance of occupied hollows during this period where practicable, and obtain project specific ecological advice before works near a suspected den.

In Queensland, the Northern Greater Glider is Vulnerable and protected wildlife. Tampering with a breeding place may require a species management program. Check current Queensland requirements before clearing or construction begins.

  • Complete pre clearing surveys before tree removal.
  • Have a fauna spotter catcher present for hollow bearing tree removal and other high risk clearing.
  • Stop work if a glider, dependent young or occupied hollow is found.
  • Use a controlled clearing procedure and allow animals to move into retained habitat where safe and lawful.

Sheltering habitat: Dens and hollow trees

During the day, the Northern Greater Glider rests in tree hollows. It is mostly solitary and uses multiple dens, with den use changing through the year and according to hollow availability.

Large hollows are the main shelter resource. Hollows with openings greater than 10 cm are considered suitable, and preferred den trees include Eucalyptus acmenoides, Corymbia citriodora and Eucalyptus tereticornis.

Hollows can take more than 100 years to form. Retain existing hollow bearing trees and younger mature trees that will provide future hollows.

  • Inspect large living trees before clearing.
  • Consider hollows in trunks, branches and limbs, including hollows that are difficult to see from the ground.
  • Protect retained trees from machinery impact, excavation, fire and changes to drainage.
  • Keep canopy links between den trees and surrounding forest.

Sheltering habitat: Spotlighting and clearing response

Spotlight likely den trees after dark, using a quiet approach and avoiding repeated passes that may cause animals to leave a hollow. Record the direction of travel and nearby retained habitat.

If a glider is located in a tree marked for removal, stop work and follow the approved fauna handling and clearing procedure. Do not block the animal into a hollow or force it into open ground.

  • Use experienced fauna spotter catchers for high risk trees.
  • Set exclusion areas around retained hollow bearing trees where construction may damage roots or branches.
  • Check felled hollow bearing material under an approved fauna handling procedure.
  • Report injured animals promptly to the project ecologist and relevant wildlife carers.

Threats: Clearing and hollow loss

The main works site risks are loss of mature trees, fragmentation, canopy gaps and mortality during clearing or movement across roads. Climate change and fire can add pressure by reducing suitable cool refuges and hollow resources.

Removing mature eucalypts reduces denning, breeding and foraging habitat. Loss of hollow bearing trees is especially difficult to offset because replacement hollows develop slowly.

Prioritise avoidance and retention. Mark hollow bearing trees and high quality habitat before machinery enters the site.

  • Avoid clearing connected mature forest where practicable.
  • Retain hollow bearing trees, food trees and surrounding canopy.
  • Protect retained trees from indirect construction damage.
  • Plan replacement planting for long term canopy and hollow supply, not as an immediate substitute for existing hollows.

Threats: Fragmentation and movement barriers

The species is highly arboreal. Wide canopy gaps can prevent movement between habitat patches and may force animals to the ground, where they are vulnerable to predators and vehicle strikes.

Keep retained vegetation connected and reduce the width of unavoidable gaps. Consider canopy connectivity across roads and infrastructure during design.

  • Retain vegetation corridors and stepping stones.
  • Avoid isolating small habitat patches.
  • Provide safe fauna crossing measures where a project creates a persistent movement barrier.
  • Inspect road verges and project areas for injured or dead gliders after night works.

Threats: Fire, climate and edge effects

Hotter conditions, changing rainfall and fire can reduce forage quality and suitable cool refuges. Unburnt habitat, sheltered gullies, high elevation forest and other cool microclimate areas may remain important during and after disturbance.

Avoid unnecessary clearing and protect refuge habitat from construction fire, uncontrolled burns, weeds and edge damage.

  • Maintain unburnt or lightly affected habitat where safe and feasible.
  • Protect gullies, sheltered slopes and connected forest from additional disturbance.
  • Control construction ignition sources and maintain fire prevention measures.
  • Retain habitat beside recently burnt areas to support recovery and movement.

Threats: Vehicle and construction mortality

Gliders can be injured or killed when moving on the ground or crossing roads. Collision records may underestimate mortality because carcasses can be removed or displaced.

Apply low speed limits, night work controls and fauna response procedures in occupied habitat. Assess mortality against the nearby population, not only by the number of carcasses found.

  • Minimise night vehicle movements through suitable habitat.
  • Use trained spotters during high risk clearing and dismantling of hollow bearing trees.
  • Record all sightings, injuries and carcasses with location and time.
  • Review controls if repeated sightings or mortality occur.

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop assessment

Survey effort should reflect the Northern greater glider’s Vulnerable listing, patchy distribution and reliance on mature hollow-bearing trees. The species is nocturnal, mostly solitary and difficult to detect, so a single negative visit should not be treated as proof of absence in suitable habitat.

Map all eucalypt forest and woodland, mature trees, hollow-bearing trees, connected vegetation, gullies, high-elevation areas and sheltered sites before planning fieldwork.

Check the project against known habitat between Townsville and the Windsor Tablelands, including isolated habitat in the Gregory Range, Gilbert Plateau, Blackbraes National Park and the Einasleigh uplands.

Identify habitat that could support future recolonisation, even if the species has not been recorded there. Give particular attention to connected patches and unburnt or sheltered areas within recently burnt landscapes.

  • Review current Queensland and Commonwealth records, mapping and conservation advice.
  • Treat records of greater gliders as requiring taxonomic checking because the southern, northern and inland species can be confused.
  • Assume that suitable habitat may be occupied where records are sparse or absent.

Survey methodology: 2. Nocturnal field surveys

Survey at night when Northern greater gliders are active. Use experienced observers to spotlight trees, trunks, branches, canopy gaps and likely den trees from ground level.

Search mature eucalypts and other trees with hollows, particularly where hollow entrances are large, around or above 10 cm in diameter. Inspect connected habitat as well as the proposed clearing area.

Use repeated targeted visits where habitat is suitable, the species is a possibility, or the consequences of clearing are high. Cover different parts of the site and more than one suitable night rather than relying on one transect or one observer.

  • Survey during calm, safe conditions with good visibility and limited rain.
  • Use binoculars and thermal equipment where available and where it can be used safely. Confirm suspected animals with a clear observation or suitable image.
  • Do not climb trees or enter hollows during a routine fauna survey.

Survey methodology: 3. Hollow and habitat inspection

Record all mature and hollow-bearing trees that could provide dens, including trees outside the immediate clearing footprint that may be retained as habitat or connectivity features.

Look for an animal’s face, eyeshine, movement, fur, scratches, fresh debris and repeated use of a hollow. A den may be used by more than one individual over time, and individuals use multiple dens.

Use remote cameras or other non-invasive methods when a high value hollow cannot be assessed confidently from the ground. Avoid blocking or disturbing a hollow.

  • Inspect trees from several angles and record hollow entrance size, height, orientation, tree species, condition and whether the tree will be retained or removed.
  • Map den trees and nearby canopy connections using a consistent site coordinate system.
  • Treat an occupied hollow, a den with an animal present, or a hollow showing repeated use as a breeding place or shelter requiring specialist advice before disturbance.

Survey methodology: 4. Records and survey conclusions

Record the survey date, start and finish times, weather, moon or visibility conditions, observers, equipment, route, habitat and survey effort.

For each observation, record location, number of animals, identification confidence, behaviour, tree species, hollow details, photographs and whether the animal was seen entering or leaving a den.

Explain the basis for any conclusion that the species is unlikely to occur. A negative result is less reliable where suitable hollow-bearing habitat remains or survey conditions were poor.

  • Upload records to the relevant Queensland and Commonwealth databases where required.
  • Retain photographs, GPS tracks, field sheets and spotlight logs with the project environmental records.
  • Escalate uncertain records for confirmation by a suitably experienced ecologist before clearing decisions are made.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Avoidance and approvals

Plan the work around habitat retention first. For a Vulnerable species, avoid clearing suitable habitat wherever practicable, and obtain advice early where a project may affect hollow-bearing trees, connected habitat or an occupied site.

Redesign the footprint to retain large contiguous eucalypt forest, mature hollow-bearing trees, preferred food trees, gullies, sheltered areas and links between habitat patches.

Have the project ecologist assess whether the action may have a significant impact under the EPBC Act. Refer the action if required, before starting work.

Confirm Queensland requirements under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and obtain any required wildlife permits, protected wildlife approvals and species management program approvals. In Queensland, tampering with a breeding place of protected wildlife may require a Species Management Program.

  • Do not rely on a general clearing approval where a separate protected wildlife or breeding place approval is needed.
  • Check conditions attached to Commonwealth approval, Queensland approval, local government approval and the construction environmental management plan.
  • Keep approval documents and contact details for the project ecologist and fauna spotter catcher at the work front.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Pre-clearance survey and habitat marking

Complete a targeted pre-clearance inspection close enough to clearing for findings to remain current. Repeat the inspection after storms, fire, major design changes or a long work delay.

Mark retained trees, den trees, habitat links, exclusion areas and no-go zones on plans and in the field. Include trees that could fall or be damaged during adjacent clearing.

Use a suitably experienced ecologist to assess any suspected den or breeding place. Do not seal, block, cut or fell a tree with a resident animal.

  • Search all trees proposed for removal and trees immediately beside the work area for hollows and animals.
  • Clearly flag exclusion areas so operators can identify them from the cab and ground.
  • Record the condition of each retained hollow-bearing tree before work starts.

Before habitat disturbance: 3. Timing and work conditions

The Northern greater glider gives birth to a single young from March to June. Avoid disturbing known den trees during this period where practicable, and obtain project-specific advice if work cannot be avoided.

There is no known migration period to schedule around. Plan instead around nocturnal den use, local weather, fire conditions and the need to maintain canopy connections.

Schedule tree removal during daylight only when this is safe and consistent with approval conditions. This reduces the chance of animals being active on trees and allows a staged fauna inspection.

  • Do not clear during heavy rain, strong winds, extreme heat or other conditions that reduce visibility, animal welfare or rescue safety.
  • Allow enough time for a fauna spotter catcher to inspect each tree and stop work if an animal or breeding place is found.
  • Coordinate work so that retained habitat is not isolated by avoidable gaps.

Before habitat disturbance: 4. Exclusion zones and crew induction

Set site-specific exclusion zones around occupied dens, breeding places, retained hollow-bearing trees and connecting vegetation. The ecologist should define the zone after considering tree-fall risk, machinery reach, vibration, noise and the animal’s likely movement path.

Do not use an arbitrary buffer where a den tree or connected habitat may be affected. Increase the exclusion area if the tree is unstable or if machinery could damage roots, canopy or neighbouring hollows.

Brief every worker, subcontractor and machine operator before work. Use maps, photographs and field demonstrations for den trees and no-go areas.

  • Explain the Northern greater glider’s appearance, nocturnal habits, gliding membrane and use of multiple dens.
  • Tell workers that they must stop work and contact the fauna spotter catcher if any glider, injured animal, hollow, nest or other breeding place is found.
  • Display the stop-work process and emergency contacts at the site office and work front.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Sequential clearing

Use a slow, staged clearing process with a fauna spotter catcher who has authority to stop work. No animal should be handled, moved or released by untrained site personnel.

Clear non-habitat vegetation first, then work progressively towards retained habitat. Keep retained canopy connections and hollow-bearing trees intact until the surrounding work area is stable.

Before each tree is removed, inspect the trunk, canopy and hollows from a safe position. Use an experienced fauna spotter catcher and suitable equipment.

Where approval conditions require it, use a staged process that allows animals to leave voluntarily before the final removal of a tree. Do not force an animal from a hollow.

  • Fell trees in a controlled direction away from retained habitat and exclusion areas.
  • Keep machinery, stockpiles, lighting and vehicle movements away from retained trees and likely den entrances.
  • Stop if the tree cannot be removed without damaging an occupied or retained hollow.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Stop-work and animal handling

The fauna spotter catcher must have clear authority to stop machinery, suspend clearing and require a reassessment. That authority should be stated in the site induction and environmental management plan.

Only authorised and appropriately trained people may catch, examine, contain, transport or release a Northern greater glider. Do not chase, pull, poke or reach into a hollow.

If an animal is found, keep people, dogs, vehicles and machinery back. Reduce noise and lighting, and contact the fauna spotter catcher or project ecologist.

  • Do not attempt to capture a glider that is moving safely through retained habitat.
  • Use a quiet, ventilated temporary container only when capture is necessary, approved and directed by the fauna spotter catcher.
  • Keep the animal in a dark, secure and temperature-appropriate place for the shortest practical time.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Breeding places, dens and roosts

If an active breeding place, den, colony or roost is found, stop work in the affected area and protect the tree and surrounding habitat. The term colony is not generally applicable to this mostly solitary species, but any group or repeated use of a site should be treated cautiously.

Do not fell, trim, burn, seal or relocate an occupied den without written approval and advice from the project ecologist and relevant authorities.

Reassess the design and retain the tree and its connection to surrounding habitat wherever possible. If disturbance cannot be avoided, follow the approved management procedure and approval conditions.

  • Document the animal, hollow, tree, location, activity, photographs and actions taken.
  • Arrange a wildlife veterinarian or qualified wildlife carer assessment if the animal is injured, weak, chilled, dehydrated or separated from a dependent young.
  • Do not release an animal at an unassessed location or move a dependent young away from its mother.

During habitat disturbance: 4. Injured animals and incidents

Treat any glider found on the ground, struck by machinery or showing abnormal movement as injured until assessed. Keep it quiet, shaded and away from predators and traffic.

Contact the fauna spotter catcher, project ecologist, licensed wildlife carer or wildlife veterinarian according to the project emergency procedure. Follow Queensland reporting and permit requirements.

If a dead animal is found, protect the location and record it before removal where safe. Consider whether the death indicates a broader construction risk.

  • Record the time, location, apparent cause, condition, photographs and person taking custody.
  • Do not give food, water or medication unless directed by a qualified wildlife professional.
  • Report any unexpected death, repeated animal sighting, damaged den or approval breach to the site manager and relevant authority as required.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Post-clearance checks

Finish each clearing area with a formal inspection and documented close-out. Vulnerable species can be affected by the loss of a small number of den trees, canopy links or individuals, even when direct observations are uncommon.

Inspect the cleared area, retained trees, adjacent habitat and access tracks after each clearing stage. Look for animals, dependent young, damaged hollows, fallen trees and gaps that may leave retained habitat isolated.

Check that exclusion areas remain intact and that machinery has not damaged roots, trunks, canopy or den entrances.

Complete a final walkover before the area is handed to construction crews or released from fauna supervision.

  • Use the same map and tree identifiers as the pre-clearance inspection.
  • Reinspect after high winds, tree failure, fire or changes to the work footprint.
  • Keep retained habitat free of spoil, waste, fencing, lighting and unnecessary vehicle access.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Relocated or rescued animals

Any captured animal should be released only under the direction of the fauna spotter catcher, wildlife carer, veterinarian and approval conditions. Select release habitat that is connected, suitable and free from immediate construction hazards.

Where possible, keep a relocated animal within its local habitat area and near suitable hollow-bearing trees. Do not assume that a nest box or artificial structure is immediately acceptable as a den.

Monitor the animal after release when required by the approval or rehabilitation plan. Record release location, time, condition, container use and follow-up observations.

  • Do not release into exposed cleared land, near active roads, into unsuitable forest or into a hollow already occupied by another animal.
  • Do not release a dependent young unless its mother has been located or a wildlife professional has provided a lawful care plan.
  • Treat relocation as a last resort. Avoidance and retention of the den are preferred.

After habitat disturbance: 3. Monitoring and reporting

Report all records, rescues, injuries, deaths, active dens, breeding places, stop-work events and approval departures through the project reporting system.

For a Vulnerable species, use monitoring that can detect habitat loss, den tree damage, road mortality and changes in use of retained habitat. The ecologist should set the duration and frequency to match the approval, risk and habitat condition.

Use repeat nocturnal spotlighting and targeted inspections of retained hollow-bearing trees where ongoing monitoring is required. Compare results with the pre-clearance baseline.

  • Provide a close-out report with maps, effort, results, photographs, incidents, animal outcomes and corrective actions.
  • Submit records to regulators and biodiversity databases where required.
  • Keep monitoring data available for future maintenance, rehabilitation and project audits.

After habitat disturbance: 4. Incident review

Review every injury, death, escape, damaged den, unplanned clearing event and repeated stop-work event before the next clearing stage.

Identify the immediate cause and any system failure, such as poor marking, inadequate induction, unsuitable timing, lighting, machinery access or unclear authority to stop work.

Update the clearing sequence, exclusion areas, induction and fauna management plan before work resumes.

  • Involve the fauna spotter catcher, site supervisor, ecologist and relevant approval holder in the review.
  • Share lessons with all crews, including changes to maps and work methods.
  • Escalate incidents to the relevant authority when required by approval or permit conditions.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Habitat restoration

Rehabilitation should rebuild connected eucalypt habitat and protect the hollow resources that take many years to develop. Replacement structures can assist in some situations, but they do not replace mature trees or established den networks.

Restore cleared areas with locally appropriate eucalypt forest or woodland, using species and structure suited to the regional habitat. Retain and protect natural regeneration where it is appropriate.

Reconnect isolated patches, gullies and retained trees with continuous or stepping-stone vegetation. Give priority to links between larger habitat patches and known or potential den areas.

Protect young and mature replacement trees from browsing, fire, weeds, machinery and future clearing.

  • Use site-suitable local provenance plants where available and appropriate.
  • Restore a varied canopy, mid-storey and understorey rather than a narrow line of trees only.
  • Retain fallen timber and natural hollows where they do not create a safety or fire hazard.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Replacement dens and artificial structures

Protect every available natural hollow. Large hollows can take more than 100 years to develop, so artificial structures are an interim measure only.

Consider glider nest boxes or artificial den structures only where a suitably experienced ecologist confirms that they suit the site, the species and the approval conditions. Design, placement and maintenance should reflect the local tree species, den height and surrounding canopy.

Bat boxes are not a general substitute for glider dens. Use them only where their design and placement are suitable for the Northern greater glider and other target fauna.

  • Place replacement structures in retained or rehabilitated habitat, not in exposed isolated trees or cleared paddocks.
  • Inspect structures for occupation, damage, water ingress, overheating, predators and wasp or pest activity.
  • Do not open or remove an occupied structure without specialist advice and any required approval.

Rehabilitation actions: 3. Weeds, fire and water

Control weeds that suppress eucalypt regeneration, alter understorey structure or increase fire risk. Use methods that do not injure retained trees or expose animals to toxic products.

Manage fire to retain unburnt refuges, mature trees, hollow-bearing trees and cool, sheltered habitat. Incorporate fire advice from the relevant land manager and regional planning process.

Retain natural moisture and drainage patterns. Avoid unnecessary removal of vegetation around gullies and other sheltered areas.

  • Inspect rehabilitation after weed treatment, fire, flood and major storms.
  • Prevent erosion and sediment movement into retained habitat.
  • Do not install artificial water points as a default measure. Seek ecological advice first, as they may alter predator and disease risks.

Rehabilitation actions: 4. Lighting, roads and connectivity

Keep artificial lighting away from retained habitat, den trees and canopy links. Use the lowest practical intensity, shield lights downwards and avoid lighting the full width of movement corridors.

Reduce vehicle speeds and night traffic near retained habitat and known crossing points. Use fauna fencing, canopy connectivity measures or other controls where a road creates a demonstrated movement risk and the design is approved.

Do not create avoidable canopy gaps between retained trees and rehabilitation areas. Northern greater gliders are highly arboreal and may be exposed to predation or vehicle collision when forced to the ground.

  • Direct construction and security lighting away from tree crowns and hollow entrances.
  • Inspect road edges for carcasses and injured animals during construction monitoring.
  • Maintain connectivity through the life of the project, not only during initial rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation actions: 5. Long-term monitoring

Monitor survival of planted trees, condition of retained habitat, use of artificial dens, canopy connectivity and any records of Northern greater gliders. Set the program to match the project risk and approval conditions.

Use repeat nocturnal observations, den inspections from the ground and remote cameras where appropriate. Avoid repeated disturbance of occupied dens.

Use monitoring results to replace failed structures, control weeds, repair fencing, adjust lighting and improve future clearing methods.

  • Set measurable rehabilitation targets for tree survival, canopy development, weed control and protection of hollow-bearing trees.
  • Review results with the project ecologist and land manager at agreed intervals.
  • Continue monitoring until the habitat is stable and management responsibilities have been transferred and documented.

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