Analysis of historic datasets shows substantial decline in southern greater gliders since the late 1990s
The Natural Resources Commission engaged researchers from the University of Melbourne to analyse data from greater glider pre-harvest surveys between 1997 to 2024 and an independent survey following the 2019-20 fires as part of the Coast IFOA monitoring program.
David Sinnott
The analysis found declines in greater glider occupancy and abundance across the species’ distribution, with increasing temperatures and severe and frequent fires identified as the main drivers of decline.Disturbance from historic harvesting also contributed to declines, although its influence was smaller than the effects of climate and fire.
The study highlights that these factors do not explain all variation in greater glider populations over time and identified several limitations in assessing forestry impacts. The findings reinforce the need for ongoing monitoring. A long-term greater glider monitoring program has now commenced across the Coastal IFOA region to address key evidence gaps and improve understanding of greater glider respond to climate change, wildfire and forest harvesting.
Read more about historical trends in Greater Glider populations on state forests.