Yellow-bellied Glider

Identification

The yellow-bellied glider, also known as the fluffy glider, is a medium-sized marsupial roughly the size of a rabbit. It weighs around 700 g, with a body length of about 30 cm and a distinctively long tail that can reach 48 cm. The species has grey-brown fur on its back and an off-white to orange or yellow belly, large pointed ears, and males are typically larger than females. It is the largest member of the genus Petaurus, the wrist-winged gliders, and bears some resemblance to the mahogany glider, though it is slightly larger.

Range & Habitat

The yellow-bellied glider inhabits native eucalypt forests in eastern Australia, ranging from northern Queensland south to Victoria. It occupies forests and woodlands at altitudes from sea level to 1400 metres, though in North Queensland populations are found above 700 m elevation. In the tropical north, the species exists in three distinct populations: on Mount Windsor Tableland, Mount Carbine Tableland, and in a linear habitat stretching from Atherton to Kirrama on the Atherton Tableland, collectively numbering around 6000 individuals. The species is more widespread in southern Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.

Behaviour & Diet

The yellow-bellied glider is nocturnal and arboreal, capable of gliding up to 150 metres and jumping distances of 100 to 114 metres. It is highly gregarious, spending daylight hours in leaf-lined tree holes shared with family members. Among the most vocal possum gliders, it produces a distinctive growling call used for communication that has been recorded from up to 500 metres away. Its diet comprises nectar, honeydew, insects, pollen, and tree sap from various eucalypts and other species. The glider obtains sap by biting distinctive V-shaped notches into smooth-barked trees to promote gum flow, typically on trunks and upper branches.

Best Time & Places to See It

As a nocturnal species, yellow-bellied gliders are best observed at night. In North Queensland, the three main populations on Mount Windsor Tableland, Mount Carbine Tableland, and the Atherton Tableland offer the most reliable viewing opportunities, though populations here are rare and vulnerable. The species is more commonly encountered in southern Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. Breeding occurs in spring in the south but throughout the year in northern Queensland, so seasonal timing may vary by location.

Photography Tips

Photographing yellow-bellied gliders requires nocturnal fieldwork with appropriate red-light or infrared illumination to avoid disturbing the animals. Focus on trees with smooth bark and evidence of V-shaped sap notches, as these are prime feeding locations. Look for gliders emerging from and returning to leaf-lined tree holes, particularly those shared by family groups. Listen for their distinctive growling calls to locate active individuals. A telephoto lens is advisable, as gliders spend much time high in the canopy. Patient observation of eucalypt forests at night will yield the best photographic opportunities.