Squirrel Glider - Nswfmpa.org

1 IntroductionGeneral FeaturesGroup- The Petauridae family is a group of gliders that is restricted to the smaller furry-tailedgliders of the genus Petaurus, the closely related Leadbeaters possum (Gymnobelideus) and lesscertainty the striped possums.A little more than half the species occur in New Guinea and three are restricted to that island.However many species occur in south-eastern Australia and one in Tasmania.The gliding Petaurids resemble the Greater glider but are distinguishable in that their glidingmembrane extends wrist (not elbow) to ankle. The Striped possums have several specializationsfor feeding on wood boring insects and in the structure and use of their incisors and forefeet.Female Petaurids have a well-developed forward facing pouch with two teats.The Squirrel Glider is a nocturnal marsupial that is of medium size. It is similar to the Sugarglider (Petaurus breviceps), and is indeed closely related to it, though the Squirrel glider weighsabout twice as much as the Sugar glider. (Strahan, 1995). It is grey or light grey in the upperbody, with white or cream under parts and a distinctive dark mid-dorsal stripe. It also has apatagium running from the forefoot to the hind foot, and the tail is weekly prehensile (McKay,1989).It is a diprotodont, with a dominant, pair of larger lower incisors-used for puncturing the barkof trees to obtain sap (McKay, 1989). It moves by scaling a tree and then gliding to a distance ofup to 90 meters to the base of another tree (Strahan, 1995; DSE Victoria).Due to the difficulty in finding and observing the Squirrel glider little research has been done,and there is little public awareness. More research needs to be done to improve conservationpractices and provide better management in captivity.There is a link between “dieback” and insect attack in forest remnants, and the depletion of birdand arboreal mammal populations, including Squirrel gliders.Squirrel gliders are eaten by the Powerful owl and barking owls; so the ability of the Squirrelglider may determine the fate of these species.The Squirrel glider also plays a part in the pollination of plants including Banksias, Acacias(wattles) and Eucalypts.The Squirrel glider has been made more vulnerable to pests such as foxes and cats due to landclearing and habit fragmentationMore research is needed to better manage, and improve existing habitat (Strahan, Ed. 1992)OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (OH&S)The Squirrel glider is classed as innocuous as it will not cause serious harm to humans. Careshould be taken as they can bite, and scratch with the sharp claws.PEST CONTROL• Rats and mice can be controlled by:-Keeping feeding areas clean from spent food, and faeces.Laying poisons and setting trapsKeeping food storage areas clean and feed containers secure.5