KREFFT'S GLIDER

Krefft’s Glider (Petaurus notatus)

In the quiet of the Australian night, a small, agile mammal glides silently between the trees. This is the Krefft’s glider,  a fascinating marsupial named after the 19th-century zoologist Gerard Krefft. With its remarkable ability to soar through the air and its endearing appearance, this creature is a true wonder of the Australian bush.

Appearance and Identification

• Size: Krefft’s glider is a small, lightweight marsupial, typically weighing between 90 to 150 grams.
• Fur: Its soft fur is generally grey to brown, with a dark stripe running from its nose to midway down its back.
• Gliding Membrane: One of its most distinctive features is the patagium, a thin membrane stretching from its wrist to its ankle, which allows it to glide effortlessly from tree to tree.
• Eyes and Ears: Large, round eyes adapted for nocturnal vision and prominent ears for acute hearing help them navigate the forest at night.

Habitat and Distribution

• Range: Krefft’s glider is found primarily along the eastern coast of Australia, from Queensland through New South Wales and into Victoria.
• Preferred Habitat: They thrive in eucalyptus forests, acacia woodlands, and sometimes even in urban parks with sufficient tree cover.

Behaviour and Ecology

Gliding

• Glide Distance: Krefft’s gliders can glide up to 25 metres in a single leap, using their tail as a rudder to steer and control their landing.
• Purpose: Gliding helps them travel efficiently between food sources and escape predators without descending to the ground, where they are most vulnerable.

Social Structure

• Social Creatures: They are highly social and live in family groups of up to 7 individuals, often sharing tree hollows for shelter.
• Communication: Soft chattering, barking, and scent marking are used for communication and defending territory.

Diet

• Omnivorous: Their diet consists of nectar, pollen, tree sap (especially from eucalyptus and acacia), insects, and sometimes small vertebrates.
• Feeding Adaptations: Sharp lower incisors allow them to gouge bark and access sap, while a long tongue helps them lap up nectar and pollen.

Longevity

• In the Wild: Krefft’s glider typically lives for around 4 to 6 years in the wild, though this can vary depending on predation and environmental conditions.

Interesting Facts

1. Not a Flying Squirrel: Although they resemble flying squirrels, they are marsupials, not rodents. Their gliding ability is a classic example of convergent evolution.
2. Nightlife: As nocturnal animals, their world is filled with the scents and sounds of the night. Their large eyes reflect a silvery glow when illuminated.
3. Family Bonds: Family groups groom each other and share food, showing strong social connections.
4. Pollinators: By feeding on nectar and pollen, they play a role in pollinating native plants, helping maintain healthy forest ecosystems.
5. Conservation Status: While not currently endangered, habitat loss and fragmentation pose significant threats to their populations.

Conservation Message

Krefft’s glider depends on healthy forests with mature trees and connected canopies. Protecting these habitats ensures not only their survival but also the well-being of countless other species. Every tree preserved is a bridge for a glider’s night-time journey and a safeguard for Australia’s unique biodiversity.

Visual and Sensory Impressions

Imagine the whisper of wind through the treetops as a Krefft’s glider launches into the night, its soft fur catching the moonlight, the faint scent of eucalyptus in the air, and the subtle rustle as it lands gently on a distant branch—nature’s silent acrobat, living proof of Australia’s remarkable wildlife.

Experience of Torpor

If you could glimpse inside a tree hollow on a chilly morning, you might find a cluster of Krefft’s gliders nestled together, their bodies cool to the touch, breathing slow and steady as they rest in a state of torpor, waiting for the warmth of the evening to awaken their energy for another night’s foraging.

• Trigger Factors: Torpor in Krefft’s glider is usually triggered by:
  • Cold weather, particularly in winter
  • Shortages in food, such as nectar or insects
• Benefits: By entering torpor, they can conserve vital energy until conditions improve.

To learn more about Australian wildlife and how you can help protect it, consider supporting local conservation initiatives or exploring nature reserves where these remarkable creatures still thrive.