Yellow-bellied Glider (Wet Tropics)
Petaurus australis Wet Tropics subspecies
Australia's Threatened Species Category
Endangered
Listed since: 9/07/2020
IUCN's Threatened Species Category
Near Threatened
Listed since: 9/03/2014
Population trend: Decreasing
Other names: Fluffy Glider
Priority Species? No
The Australian government's Threatened Species Action Plan 2022-2032 selected over 100 priority species derive from consultation with threatened species experts and the wider community. While all species are important, focusing on a limited number of species can help target effort and resources so that outcomes can be achieved, measured and shared.
Description
The Yellow-bellied Glider (Wet Tropics) is a rabbit-sized gliding marsupial with grey-brown fur and a distinctive off-white to yellow-orange belly. This subspecies occurs in tall open eucalypt forest in the Atherton region, Queensland. Sap from Eucalyptus resinifera is the most important dietary item with nectar and pollen a secondary component.
Threats
Due to the high diet specialisation of the Yellow-bellied Glider (Wet Tropics) creates their vulnerability to habitat destruction or alteration, which is their main threat.