Squirrel gliders (Petaurus norfolcensis) are officially ‘threatened’ in every state in Australia where they occur, except Queensland where their classification is in need of review. Squirrel gliders face a particular problem in that a family typically roosts together in a tree hollow, large hollows required. However, to avoid predation and competition from other animals, they also need a small entrance (approximately 40mm in diameter).
Historically, there have been known strong populations of squirrel glider in Cabbage Tree Creek catchment in Brisbane’s northside (Urban Land Development Authority, Fitzgibbon Bushland Management Plan, 2011; 28 South Environmental, Ecological Assessment Report for proposed Carseldine Urban Village, 2017) and Bulimba Creek catchment on southside.
The Northside Squirrel Glider Program, an initiative spearheaded by Kedron Brook Catchment Branch in 2018 is dedicated to conserving and protecting squirrel glider.
About program
Thanks to source funding from Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor’s Sustainability and Environment Grant (ENV00231) in 2017-18, KBCB Northside Squirrel Glider Monitoring Project project initially aimed to monitor five council owned bushland reserves on north side of Brisbane, to determine presence or absence of squirrel gliders. The major aims included:
- Glider Nest Boxes – installation, monitoring and maintenance of Hollow Log Homes front entry and rear entry glider nest boxes
- Purchase monitoring tools (infra-red monitoring camera and photo monitoring pole) to conduct nest box monitoring and undertake community spotlighting events
- Communicate and develop a network of like-minded groups who wish to monitor occupancy of installed nest boxes
- Coordinate a Community Awareness Day on Squirrel Glider in order to increase public awareness of Gliders in Brisbane.
A combination of Hollow Log Homes front and rear entry nest boxes were installed at:
- Arbor Street Park, Ferny Hills
- Boondall Western Extension Bushland Reserve, Boondall
- Cabbage Tree Creek, Taigum
- Dorington Park, Ashgrove
- Tinchi Tamba Wetlands Reserve, Bald Hills.
Monitoring and Data Collection
To ensure ongoing success of this endeavor, nest boxes are monitored twice a year by dedicated volunteers. These monitoring sessions allow us to collect valuable data about presence, behavior, and reproductive success of squirrel gliders in nest boxes.
observations and data collected during these monitoring sessions are meticulously recorded and then uploaded onto iNaturalist platform. This not only helps us keep track of glider populations but also contributes to broader scientific understanding of these remarkable creatures. You can follow us on iNaturalist – our observations are recorded under kbcb.
Get Involved
If you’re passionate about wildlife conservation and would like to be a part of this exciting program, there are several ways to get involved:
- Volunteer: We’re always in need of dedicated volunteers to assist grant applications, nest box monitoring sessions, and data collection. Your efforts can make a significant impact on program’s success.
- Donate: Every contribution counts. Your financial support can help us expand program, install more nest boxes, and protect habitat of squirrel gliders. drink containers donations made to Kedron Brook Catchment Branch Containers for Change account go towards purchasing of squirrel glider nest boxes – use number C10006426 at your local depot.
- Spread Word: Help us raise awareness about squirrel gliders and Northside Squirrel Glider Program. Share our project your friends, family, and community.
- Report Sightings: If you happen to spot a squirrel glider in your area, please report sighting to iNaturalist under our Brisbane Northside Squirrel Glider Monitoring Program. Your observation can provide valuable information about their distribution.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, would like to volunteer, or want to support Northside Squirrel Glider Program in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Together, we can make a positive difference in conservation of these remarkable creatures and preservation of our natural heritage in Brisbane’s north side. Thank you for your interest and support!
Proudly Supported by Brisbane City Council
This project is proudly supported by:
