A research project aiming to strengthen the population of Greater Gliders, the largest gliding mammal in Australia, has been completed in Latrobe City.
The project was a collaboration between Latrobe City Council, Latrobe Catchment Landcare Network, Federation University and Greening Australia.
Until early 2018, numbers of Gliders recorded in the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas were low, with the 2019/20 bushfires also impacting previously recorded populations in East Gippsland.
In 2022, Federation University PhD student, Cassey Briggs, documented the presence of the federally listed Greater Glider to better understand the population size, their range and estimated family groups.
Greening Australia has since added 118 Greater Glider records within the southern portion of Latrobe City and adjoining South Gippsland Shire, due to the increased surveying effort. These records now represent some of the highest densities of Greater Gliders known in Victoria.
The project was supported by a $50,000 Community-Volunteer Action Grant from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.
Mayor of Latrobe City Council, Councillor Kellie O'Callaghan said the discovery of Greater Gliders on the outskirts of Boolarra highlighted the richness of biodiversity to be found in Latrobe City.
"Council's 2021-2025 Community Vision highlights the importance of nurturing and respecting Latrobe City's natural environment, supported by key actions to improve and protect biodiversity, waterways and bushland reserves," said the Mayor.
"As part of this commitment, Council partnered in the exciting initiative to install 25 custom-designed nest boxes in a section of bushland south of Boolarra. The nest boxes were monitored using digital cameras to determine how the animals used them. These boxes are fire-retardant, heat resistant and make a safer home for all wildlife.
"One of the reasons the Greater Glider is threatened is because there aren't enough large, old hollow-bearing trees remaining, so adding these nest boxes will provide more homes in Boolarra for the species."
The project also bought together local schools and community members to participate in surveys, educational activities and spotlight tours.
The research project included creating awareness, engaging the community and educating about Greater Gliders and how we can help the species in the future.
To view the Greater Glider project video, view the Latrobe Catchment Landcare website here: www.lcln.com.au/greater-gliders
