Squirrel Glider Habitat Management Guide A landholder guide for managing Squirrel Glider habitat in southern New South Wales About this guide

Squirrel Gliders occur in small well as detailed information on their isolated populations in southern habitat, shelter, food and breeding New South Wales and make requirements. This information is TERRY KORODAJ, extensive use of roadside vegetation, based on current scientific research ROWAN WINSEMIUS & ELISA TACK as well as remnant vegetation on as well as information from private land. Habitat management individuals who have extensive on private land and along roadsides experience and knowledge of © State of New South Wales published by Local Land Services 2014. forms a critical part of Squirrel Glider Squirrel Gliders. Our knowledge of You may copy, distribute, display, download and otherwise freely deal conservation in the Murray region. Squirrel Glider ecology is still very with this publication for any purpose, provided that you attribute Local incomplete and many aspects of This guide has been prepared for Land Services as the owner. However, you must obtain permission if their ecology remain unknown. you wish to charge others for access to the publication; include the landholders and natural resource publication in advertising or a product for sale; modify the publication; managers in southern NSW to This guide can be used by or republish the publication on a website. You may freely link to the provide practical information on landholders and land managers publication on a departmental website. the habitat requirements and to help develop an integrated The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge management actions needed to whole-farm plan that incorporates and understanding at the time of writing (May 2017). However, because conserve Squirrel Gliders. It contains agricultural production and of advances in knowledge, users are reminded of the need to ensure general information on gliders as biodiversity conservation. that the information upon which they rely is up to date and to check the currency of the information with the appropriate officer of the Local Land Services or the user’s independent adviser. Murray Local Land Services PO Box 61 DENILIQUIN NSW 2710 Email: [email protected] www.murray.lls.nsw.gov.au Photos: All photos © Murray LLS except: © Tuktop | Dreamstime.com (Front cover) © Isselee | Dreamstime.com (page 3) © Peter Merritt (page 4) Contents © Peter Merritt (page 5) © Simon Dallinger (page 7) About this guide ...... 3 © Simon Dallinger (page 8) © Cameo | Dreamstime.com (page 9) The Squirrel Glider ...... 4 © Scott Fagg (page 10) © Iain Duncan (Lorikeet in Mugga Ironbark - page 11) Squirrel Glider habitat and behaviour ...... 6 © Dejan Stojanovic (Swift Parrot - page 11) © Clearviewstock | Dreamstime.com (Goanna - page 13) How you can help - Retain hollow-bearing trees...... 8 © Djk | Dreamstime.com (Cat - page 13) © Sleiselei | Dreamstime.com (Fox - page 13) © Simon Dallinger (page 15) How you can help - Improve available habitat ...... 10 © Peter Merritt (Back cover) How you can help - Reduce barbed-wire fencing...... 12

This publication should be cited as follows: How you can help - Reduce feral predator numbers...... 13 Korodaj, T, Winsemius, R. & Tack, E. (2014), Squirrel Glider habitat management guide: a landholder guide for managing Good news stories...... 14 Squirrel Glider habitat in southern New South Wales. 3rd ed. Murray Local Land Services, Albury. Squirrel Glider monitoring...... 15 Design by: Fin Design Printed by: Impact Digital Reporting injured gliders ...... 15 Printed on recycled paper Published by: Murray Local Land Services, Albury, NSW Further information...... 15 First published: November 2009 Revised edition: May 2017 ISBN: 978-0-9807282-1-7 4 SQUIRREL GLIDER HABITAT MANAGEMENT GUIDE 5

THE Squirrel Glider

The Squirrel Glider ( Gliding possums range in size from norfolcensis) is a member of the the (Acrobates possum family. Twenty-six species of pygmaeus), which is the smallest and possums are found in Australia. Six has a head-to-tail length of 16 cm, of these are gliding possums, five of to the largest - the which can be found in New South (Petaroides volans), which has a Wales. All gliding possums have a head-to-tail length of 110 cm. membrane, which is a thin sheet of Four other species of gliding possum skin that stretches either between the have been recorded in New Guinea, A Squirrel Glider showing forepaws and ankles or between the as well as islands off the coast of its wide bushy tail. elbow and knee and enables them to Australia. glide. When a glider holds its arms out Squirrel Gliders to glide the membrane is stretched and acts as a parachute. All gliding Description Range and status for agriculture. These changes have In the Murray region Squirrel Gliders can be distinguished possums are nocturnal, meaning resulted in the loss of much of the best appear to be restricted to the South- The Squirrel Glider is a mid-sized Squirrel Gliders occur along eastern they are most active at night. Squirrel Glider habitat. West Slopes of the Great Dividing from Sugar Gliders gliding possum, weighing between Australia, from north Queensland, Range, as well as riparian corridors While the Squirrel Glider has a wide 190 and 300 g, with a head-to-tail through eastern New South Wales, along the Murray River further to the (Petaurus breviceps) distribution, it is considered rare length of approximately 50 cm. It and down to western Victoria, with west. by their wide has greyish (blue-brown) upper body two genetically distinct geographical throughout most of its range as it is fur and a white-cream belly, a dark groups, southern and northern/coastal restricted to areas where its specific Southern populations are genetically bushy tail. stripe which starts near the nose and populations. Typically Squirrel Gliders habitat requirements are met. The distinct from those distributed along finishes at the mid-back, and a wide- occur in parts of the landscape with loss of high quality habitat has led the north coast. Southern populations bushy tail. The gliding membrane of fertile soils, generally below 300 m to Squirrel Gliders being listed as may be particularly at risk because the Squirrel Glider runs between the above sea-level. However, since Vulnerable under the NSW Threatened of their smaller population sizes and forepaw and the ankle. European settlement many of these Species Conservation Act 1995. They the highly fragmented nature of the areas have been cleared and highly are likely to become endangered unless woodland habitat that they rely on in Squirrel Gliders can be mistaken for modified because of their suitability conservation actions are undertaken. this part of the world. another gliding possum, the (Petaurus breviceps) which occur in similar areas. However Sugar Gliders are smaller, with a less bushy SQUIRREL GLIDER DISTRIBUTION SQUIRREL GLIDER DISTRIBUTION tail and have greyish, rather than ACROSS AUSTRALIA ACROSS THE MURRAY REGION white-cream, belly fur. A great way to observe gliders is by ‘stagwatching’. Stagwatching NSW involves the observer sitting quietly under a hollow-bearing tree or a stag (standing dead tree) just before dusk and waiting for waking gliders to emerge. DENILIQUIN NORTHERN/COASTAL BARHAM POPULATION HOLBROOK

COROWA SOUTHERN POPULATION MOAMA ALBURY

Squirrel Glider range Squirrel Glider range Murray Region Squirrel Gliders have white to cream coloured belly fur.

Maps of Squirrel Glider distribution are based on current best available knowledge and there may be additional areas where Squirrel Gliders occur that have not yet been recorded. 6 SQUIRREL GLIDER HABITAT MANAGEMENT GUIDE 7

Breeding & territories Movement Squirrel Glider Breeding often starts in late autumn Gliders mainly move about by to early spring, but can occur climbing between the crowns of throughout the year. Females give adjoining trees or by gliding between habitat and birth to one or two young per litter trees. The gliding process is called and in some years can rear two litters. volplaning and the distance travelled Young gliders are weaned from about depends on the height of the tree behaviour five months, become independent at they are gliding from, with taller trees 12 months, and may live for up to allowing longer glides. Squirrel Gliders five years. can glide up to 80 m, but 20 - 40 m is more typical. Gaps greater than 70 m Members of the same social group are considered a physical barrier to are often marked with scent by the Squirrel Glider movement. dominant male in the group, who also marks certain points within the Being able to glide allows them territory. This marking establishes to minimise the time spent on the Acacia sap - can be a food territories that the group will defend ground where potential predators, source for Squirrel Gliders. from neighbouring groups to prevent such as foxes and cats, lurk. them from using scarce resources. Individuals emerge from their dens and leap off tree limbs, extending Social groups usually consists of one their arms to spread the gliding or two males, one or two females and Shelter Feeding membrane. As the individual glides a number of young. Squirrel Gliders it uses its tail as a rudder to steer. Squirrel Gliders make their home, Squirrel Gliders have a seasonally don’t appear to form monogamous When the glider nears its target it known as a den, in the hollows of varied diet that includes plants relationships, with all males and folds its arms back to stop gliding. trees or stags (dead trees). In the and invertebrates. Carbohydrates females in a group interbreeding. The individual then drops onto its warmer months gliders leave their play a major role in the Squirrel Breeding is not restricted to the intended target, holding its head back dens just after dusk, and spend Glider’s diet and are mostly sourced social group and will also occur with to stop it from hitting the tree. most of the night outside feeding, from lerps, and plant products individuals from neighbouring groups. before returning to their dens such as nectar, pollen, acacia sap, In a single night gliders may move up just before dawn. During cooler honeydew and manna. Insects to 2 km. The home range of Squirrel months gliders may move around such as caterpillars, cicadas and Gliders may vary from 0.7 to 12 ha, less as food resources are limited beetles contribute to the gliders’ depending on the quality of the and they must spend more time dietary protein. Gliders may play habitat. In areas with higher quality resting to conserve energy. an important role in controlling habitat Squirrel Gliders do not have to outbreaks of insect pests, which Gliders use a variety of den sites in venture far to find the resources that attack leaves on eucalypts. different parts of their territory and they need to survive. In areas where have been recorded using hollows When eucalypt nectar is scarce, habitat is poor, and vegetation is in up to 19 different trees in a sap from acacia species such as spaced further apart, gliders may season. They tend to use den sites Silver Wattle (Acacia dealbata) and be forced to move large distances close to where they are feeding, Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha) and take greater risks to find the often within 300 m. Gliders are which are favoured by Squirrel resources they need. social and a hollow can Gliders. Unlike sap from eucalypts, contain up to 10 gliders at a time. which becomes hard and brittle Denning in small groups is thought quickly, acacia sap becomes gum- to be an energy saving strategy, like. Forests with mixed tree species particularly during cold winters. provide enough variety in flora species so that a stable year-round Trees that may be commonly used food supply is available. by Squirrel Gliders for dens in the Murray region include: > Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora) Social groups > White Box (E. albens) are usually made > Grey Box (E. microcarpa) > Mugga Ironbark (E. sideroxylon) up of one or > River Red Gum (E. camaldulensis) > Blakeley’s Red Gum (E. blakelyi) two males, one Den trees can be found in many or two females areas that have not been cleared since European settlement, such and a number as forests, creek-lines and along of juveniles. roadsides. 8 SQUIRREL GLIDER HABITAT MANAGEMENT GUIDE 9

How you Nest Box Design Nest boxes should be built using a rough, hardwood timber to ensure that gliders can can Retain hollow-bearing climb on the box. The entrance hole should have a four centimetre diameter. The small size of the entry hole aims to restrict other animals help: trees from using the box. A number of five millimetre drainage holes should be drilled in the base of the box to prevent it from flooding. A lid on the top will mean the box can be checked easily. To make the box more comfortable wood shavings can be placed in the bottom. Boxes should be checked at least twice yearly The problem to ensure that bees have not invaded. Do not Clearing of vegetation, including single check boxes too regularly as this may discourage paddock trees, as well as road widening, THE SolutionS gliders from using the box. are all processes that reduce the number Boxes ought to be placed between two and of hollow-bearing trees. A reduction in four metres above the ground. Nest boxes hollow-bearing trees means less habitat Retain hollow-bearing trees should also be placed on the leeward side of a for gliders and may limit their capacity to tree, away from the prevailing weather and be well attached so as to avoid movement of the move around the landscape and breed The simplest solution is to retain existing hollow-bearing trees. Protecting this resource nest box. with other populations. will ensure populations have a place to live If you are lucky enough to find a glider or other and breed, as well as enabling gliders to move native animals in your box please don’t touch or across the landscape, supporting connectivity An old hollow-bearing tree next to an area having revegetation works undertaken. pat it. Gliders have very sharp teeth! between populations. Under the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Create artificial hollows Act 1974 handling of native fauna is not allowed except under license. Gliders can use up to 19 different (nest-boxes) hollows throughout the year. Old Where hollow-bearing trees have been hollow-bearing trees provide good removed artificial hollows may provide an foraging habitat as these trees usually adequate short-term substitute. Nest-boxes are only a solution in those areas flower more vigorously and are more which have potential to provide suitable likely to have rotting wood and peeling habitat for Squirrel Gliders. Therefore nest- bark where insects can be found. boxes should only be installed if there are: -- Squirrel Glider populations nearby that can colonise the new site Even single paddock trees can provide -- Abundant food resources such as flowering suitable habitat for gliders as long as they eucalypts and wattles are able to glide to other areas that provide Nest box dimensions are an important alternative food sources. Retaining existing factor as Squirrel Gliders have a particular trees with hollows is a great solution as it preference. requires the least cost and effort.

Undertake revegetation Hollows in trees take at least 100 years to form. Consequently, to have more hollow- Entrance bearing trees in the future we need to be hole: 4 cm planting more trees now. Old hollow-bearing diameter trees will not last forever so we need to start actively replacing this resource. Height: 40-50 cm Include a number of small drainage holes

A revegetation site near Depth: A nest box with a rubber baffle to deter Indian Mynas, an aggressive Burrumbuttock. 15-20 cm introduced bird species that competes for nesting hollows. Width: 14-17 cm 10 SQUIRREL GLIDER HABITAT MANAGEMENT GUIDE 11

How you can Improve available help: habitat

The problem Squirrel Glider habitat is often degraded and unlikely to sustain glider populations THE SolutionS in the long term. Extensive clearing of native vegetation means that existing habitat has been fragmented into small Improve connectivity “islands” that are not well connected. between habitat These small patches and the big distances between them will limit Squirrel Glider Squirrel Gliders need to be able to forage Improving over a wide area to take advantage of movement and reduce their opportunities different food sources throughout the year. habitat for Squirrel for feeding and breeding. Mugga Ironbark (Eucalyptus sideroxylon) is a However, their capacity to do so safely is great nectar producing tree for Squirrel Gliders. limited by their ability to glide between Gliders will also trees. Filling in the gaps between patches have benefits for of vegetation that are greater than 50 m apart enhances their capacity to move across other species such the landscape. Consider planting individual Plant a diversity of plant species trees, protected by stock proof guards, to as the threatened create “stepping stones” to assist with safe Squirrel Gliders require habitats with a variety Swift Parrot. movement. of plants so that a range of food sources can be provided over different seasons. Paddock trees, linear remnants and patches of vegetation can help create vegetation As the seasons change different food sources connections for Squirrel Gliders, though the become available while others disappear passage for travel may be small it can still be temporarily. Landscapes with a diversity of vitally important. plant life will provide food species for gliders throughout the year. Connectivity also plays a role in maintaining genetic diversity by allowing neighbouring It is especially important to plant mid-storey populations to interbreed. If this does not species such as wattles, as these provide occur populations may be more susceptible valuable sources of food. Contact Murray LLS to disease and other conditions associated for revegetation information and advice. with inbreeding. Improving available habitat for gliders will have a wide range of benefits for a variety of Increase the size of existing other species. Improving plant diversity will be patches beneficial for native birds, which rely on nectar and pollen and may need a variety of habitat By increasing the size of existing patches structures. Improving connectivity may also help of remnant vegetation we can increase the other animals move across the landscape. resources available to Squirrel Gliders. Increasing patch size will also decrease the Managing grazing distance from other patches, which may be beneficial in providing access to resources Stock can prevent the regeneration of native and allowing gene flow. species by either trampling seedlings or by eating them. Keeping stock out of a site for a time may give seedlings time to establish.

Eucalypt woodlands are ideal The Swift Parrot is endangered with only about 1000 pairs habitat for Squirrel Gliders. remaining in the wild, and its population is declining. 12 SQUIRREL GLIDER HABITAT MANAGEMENT GUIDE 13

How How you you can Reduce barbed-wire can Reduce feral predator help: fencing help: numbers

The problem The problem Since European settlement, cats and foxes have been introduced into The introduction of barbed-wire fences Australia. Cats and foxes both hunt has increased the risk of entanglement to THE SolutionS at night and Squirrel Gliders are a Squirrel Gliders as they glide. If gliders convenient sized prey for them to catch. do become entangled this can lead to death. Any barbed-wire fence that is located in glider habitat should be considered dangerous, however those situated in riparian zones, between paddock trees, or at intersections of linear patches of vegetation, are considered especially dangerous. A Goanna; a natural predator of the Squirrel Glider. Responsible cat ownership Fixing existing fencing Responsible cat ownership is extremely For smaller sections of fence an alternative is important to reduce their impact on native to make the fence more obvious by installing A Squirrel Glider caught in THE SolutionS wildlife. metal tags along the top wire of the fence. a barbed-wire fence. Tags should be installed at a minimum of Keeping your cat inside your house at night 30 cm intervals to ensure the fence is visible. time is one of the best ways to protect Squirrel Replace or remove existing Gliders and other nocturnal wildlife from cats. An effective short-term solution may be barbed-wire to install polypipe on the top two strands A number of council areas now impose cat of barbed wire as these are where most The most effective way to remove the threat curfews to restrict movement of cats, particularly entanglements occur. of barbed-wire is to remove it completely. during the night when they do most of their Where fences no longer serve a necessary hunting. Below: Barbed- Contact Murray LLS for free access to a purpose this may be a viable option. wire concealed polypipe applicator, available to make the Ensure that your cat is desexed to keep it from with irrigation producing unwanted litters. Registering your cat polypipe. process of installation quicker and safer. In places where fences are required for stock control, barbed-wire strands can be with the local council and having it microchipped replaced with multi-strand high tensile will allow it to be returned to you if it is found. plain wire or a combination of high tensile plain wire and ring-lock. Reduce fox numbers Foxes are widespread and abundant across the Barbed-wire is a threat to approximately agricultural landscape. Undertaking fox control 35 species across the Murray region, activities will reduce their abundance and result in less pressure on Squirrel Gliders. These actions including various birds, possums and even will also have benefits for other species such as larger animals such as kangaroos. native birds, reptiles and frogs. A coordinated baiting program over a large area is most likely to be successful in reducing fox Electrified fences may be an alternative, numbers. although they need to be designed to ensure stock control is effective and Contact Murray LLS to assist you in developing a wildlife are not electrocuted. fox control program for your area. 14 SQUIRREL GLIDER HABITAT MANAGEMENT GUIDE 15

SQUIRREL glider Good news stories MONITORING A range of techniques are used by ecologists and land managers to monitor and survey about Squirrel Gliders Squirrel Glider populations. Some of these methods include checking nest boxes and While Squirrel Glider populations are threatened, community groups are hollows, placing motion-sensor cameras in helping these populations recover. Several projects have engaged communities areas where Squirrel Gliders might occur, to undertake simple actions that address threats to Squirrel Gliders. trapping Squirrel Gliders, and using funnel- like hair traps that collect small amounts of fur from any that enters them. The hair can be analysed later by experts to determine what animal they belonged to. Squirrel Gliders in an All activities involving wildlife typically agricultural landscape require a permit or scientific licence from the relevant authority, and sometimes even Burrumbuttock is a small town 35 km approval from an animal ethics committee. northwest of Albury. Much of the land was If you, or another land manager, are cleared to make way for agriculture with small planning to undertake survey or monitoring remnants being left along roadsides, as well as Further reading work for wildlife in NSW please check the on a few private properties. 1. Claridge, A. & van der 6. Suckling, G., 1995. Squirrel licence requirements with the Office of Squirrel Gliders had not been seen in the area Ree, R. 2004. Recovering Glider Petaurus norfolcensis, Environment and Heritage. for many years until an injured glider was found endangered populations in of Australia, R. in 1995. Since then a coordinated approach has in fragmented landscapes: Strahan (ed). pp 234-235. been taken to protect the remaining habitat in the squirrel glider Petaurus Reed Books, Sydney. Acknowledgements Burrumbuttock, including removing barbed- norfolcensis on the south- 7. van der Ree, R., 2002. The wire fences, planting new food trees and west slopes of New South Murray Local Land Services would like to thank population ecology of the installing nest-boxes in some areas. Wales, in Conservation of those who have assisted in the development squirrel glider (Petaurus Australia’s Forest Fauna of this management guide, particularly Jerry The Burrumbuttock community, together with norfolcensis) within a (2nd edn). Royal Zoological Alexander, as well as those who have helped Murray Local Land Services and the NSW Office network of linear habitats. Society of NSW. in raising community awareness about Squirrel of Environment and Heritage, launched the Wildlife Research, 29, 329- Gliders across the Murray region. Squirrel Glider Local Area Management Plan 2. Holland, G., Bennett, A. 340. project in 2013. This project aims to secure the and van der Ree, R. 2007. 8. van der Ree, R., 2003. The Burrumbuttock Squirrel Glider population in the Time budget and feeding distribution and status long term by increasing the connectivity and behaviour of the squirrel Reporting of the squirrel glider, extent of suitable habitat in the area. glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) injured gliders Petaurus norfolcensis, in the in remnant linear habitat. Thurgoona If you happen to come across an injured glider Wildlife Research, 34, 288- area of Albury. Unpublished there are a number of organisations that 295. report for the Albury may be able to provide assistance. Wildlife 3. Menkhorst, P., Knight, F. Wodonga Development Information Rescue & Education Service (WIRES) Squirrel Gliders in a 2011. A Field Guide to the Corporation. groups operate across NSW and in some cases residential landscape . 3rd the local office of the NSW National Parks & 9. van der Ree, R., 2003. Home ed. Oxford University Press, Wildlife Service may also be able to assist. Thurgoona is a suburb of Albury. Like range of the squirrel glider Melbourne. many residential areas most of the remnant (Petaurus norfolcensis) in a WIRES can be contacted vegetation has been cleared. However, 4. Menkhorst, P., Weavers, network of remnant linear some larger trees can still be found B., Alexander, J. 1988. habitats. Journal of Zoology, state-wide on 1300 094 737 scattered throughout the area, and in the Distribution, habitat and 259, 327-336. or visit wires.org.au 1970s numerous plantings of native species conservation status of the 10. van der Ree, R., 1999. took place. Squirrel Glider Barbed wire fencing as a Petaurus norfolcensis Today Squirrel Gliders can still be found hazard for wildlife. The (: Marsupialia) in across much of the suburb, making Victorian Naturalist, 116, Further Victoria. Australian Wildlife extensive use of both remnant trees as well 210-217. information as the plantings. A number of the plantings Research, 15, 59-71. 11. Crane,M., Lindenmayer, Contact us for more information on contain nest-boxes with evidence that many 5. Quin, D., 1995. Population D. & Banks,S., 2017. Squirrel Gliders, or activities you can are being used by Squirrel Gliders. Ecology of the Squirrel Conserving and restoring undertake to protect them: Glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) Several local community and school endangered southern and the Sugar Glider (P. Squirrel Gliders groups in the Thurgoona area are working populations of the Squirrel Murray Local Land Services breviceps) (Marsupialia : together to address threats to Squirrel Glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) PO Box 797 can be found Petauridae) at Limeburners Gliders. Organisations such as the Albury in agricultural landscapes. Albury NSW 2640 Creek, on the Central North in the suburb of Conservation Company are supporting Ecological Management and Coast of New South Wales. T 02 6051 2200 F 02 6051 2222 Thurgoona’s Squirrel Glider population by Restoration, 18, 15-25. Thurgoona. working with community to install nest Wildlife Research, 22, boxes and monitor local gliders. 471-505. www.murray.lls.nsw.gov.au murray.lls.nsw.gov.au