Meet the Greater Glider – Australia’s Largest Gliding Possum
The Greater Glider (Petauroides volans) is one of Australia’s most iconic marsupials, known for its large size, fluffy tail, and extraordinary gliding ability. While often associated with dense forests and national parks, Greater Gliders are a species of interest for anyone studying native possums — especially in regions surrounding Sydney’s bushland corridors.
This article covers the biology, habitat, and conservation status of the Greater Glider, as well as whether homeowners in Sydney are likely to encounter one near their properties.
What Is a Greater Glider?
The Greater Glider is a nocturnal, tree-dwelling marsupial known for its ability to glide through the forest canopy. It belongs to the possum family and uses a skin membrane — or patagium — that stretches from its elbows to ankles to glide between trees, sometimes for over 100 metres.
They are slow-moving, silent, and solitary creatures that feed exclusively on eucalyptus leaves. They are the largest of all Australian gliding mammals, which makes them relatively easy to distinguish from other glider species like the Sugar Glider or Feathertail Glider.
Physical Characteristics
Greater Gliders can be identified by their:
- Size: Up to 45 cm body length, with a fluffy tail of equal or greater length
- Fur: Thick and soft; colours range from black and grey to creamy white
- Eyes: Large and adapted for low-light vision
- Gliding membrane: Extends from forelimbs to hindlimbs, but less visible than in Sugar Gliders
They resemble small koalas in appearance and are typically silent except when disturbed.
Where Do Greater Gliders Live?
Greater Gliders inhabit the tall eucalyptus forests of eastern Australia, including:
- South-eastern Queensland
- Eastern and southern New South Wales
- Victoria
In NSW, they are most commonly found in the Great Dividing Range and surrounding bushland — especially in areas with large, mature eucalypt trees that provide ample foliage and tree hollows for nesting.
Are Greater Gliders Found in Sydney?
While they are not common in central Sydney suburbs, Greater Gliders may be found in outer bushland areas such as the Blue Mountains, Royal National Park, and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. They avoid urbanised areas and are unlikely to enter homes or roof spaces like Common Brushtail Possums do.
To learn more about typical nesting areas, explore Habitat Preferences of Sydney Possums.
Behaviour and Diet
Greater Gliders are:
- Nocturnal: Active at night and rarely seen during daylight hours
- Solitary: They are territorial and typically live alone
- Folivorous: Feed exclusively on eucalyptus leaves
Unlike other possums, they are extremely quiet and rarely vocalise. Their presence is often only detected by their movement in the canopy or their droppings below feeding sites.
If you’re unsure whether you’ve seen a Greater Glider or another gliding species, check our guide to possum identification.
Gliding Ability
Greater Gliders are expert gliders. They can glide up to 100 metres using their limbs to stretch the gliding membrane and their tail for steering. They typically launch from the high canopy and aim for lower branches, helping them travel efficiently without coming to the ground — where they’re vulnerable to predators.
Nesting and Reproduction
They nest in large tree hollows lined with bark and leaves, using one or more hollows within their territory. Females give birth to a single joey each year, which stays in the pouch for about four months and remains dependent for several more weeks before dispersing.
Nesting sites are essential for survival — which is why logging and land clearing pose serious risks.
Are Greater Gliders Endangered?
Yes. As of 2022, the Greater Glider is listed as endangered in NSW and nationally under the EPBC Act due to:
- Loss of old-growth forest — essential for nesting hollows
- Climate change — rising temperatures and bushfires threaten habitat
- Habitat fragmentation — which limits movement and breeding
Because of these pressures, they are not only protected under NSW law but also the focus of several conservation initiatives aimed at habitat restoration and protection.
To learn more about legal protections, see Are All Possums Protected in NSW?.
What Should You Do If You Spot a Greater Glider?
If you happen to spot a Greater Glider (particularly in outer Sydney bushland), do not attempt to touch or move it. Instead, admire it from a distance and report any injured or displaced animals to a local wildlife rescue group.
Because of their size and gliding capability, they don’t typically enter homes or roof cavities. However, mistaken identity with other gliders or juvenile possums is common. To avoid confusion, read our guide on juvenile vs adult possums.
Need Help Identifying a Gliding Possum?
If you’re unsure whether you’ve spotted a Sugar Glider, Greater Glider, or another species of tree-dwelling possum, our team can assist. While we rarely remove Greater Gliders due to their remote habitats, we can help with other species that frequent homes and gardens in Sydney.
Contact us for expert possum identification or call 0468 166 733 for licensed possum services across Sydney.
