PREVIEW

An Australian conservation group is ‘over the moon’ to announce that an endangered species is not just present but flourishing within their sanctuary.

The Greater Glider, a marvel of Australia, hold the title of the world's largest gliding marsupial. Thanks to extensive skin flaps between its limbs that function as parachutes, it can glide from one treetop to another over distances of up to 100 meters, even making sharp 90-degree turns in mid-air.

The impressive animals have settled in at Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary, choosing the 400-hectare area, safeguarded against invasive species, as their new abode. Outside their new home, their peers face severe threats from invasive predators and habitat destruction, pushing them towards extinction.

Hayley Shute, the Conservation Manager, noted that these Gliders are in good company.

"The sanctuary is a haven not only for our flagship species like Devils and Quolls but also for other emblematic Australian animals such as koalas, wombats, and echidnas," Shute explained.

Often referred to as 'Australia's little Gremlin,' the Greater Glider is notable for its large ears and eyes, giving it a somewhat monkey-like appearance. These enhanced senses of hearing and vision are crucial for their nocturnal lifestyle, allowing them to navigate the high canopy and avoid predators, including the Powerful Owl.

To support the Greater Glider and other indigenous species like pygmy and ringtail possums, Aussie Ark has installed nesting boxes across the sanctuary. Regular spotlighting surveys to count animals have shown a positive trend in the Greater Glider population.

"This underscores the significant ecological contribution of the Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary," stated Ms. Shute. "And that's a win for the broader Australian environment."