The Vertebrate Fauna of Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve: Final

YELLOW-BELLIED GLIDER PETAURUS AUSTRALIS
EPBC Act: Not Listed TSC Act: Vulnerable Priority in Area: Low
Yellow-bellied glider. Photo © R. Williams
Old yellow-bellied glider feedmarks in a
grey gum. Photo © M. Schulz/OEH
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Occurrence in the Survey Area
Uncommon resident. The yellow-bellied glider has been
recorded by multiple observers within JKCR over the last
decade, indicative of a resident population. There are eight
records in the Atlas of NSW Wildlife, three of which are from
the current survey program. Two individuals were heard calling
about 500 metres east of the research station on the Jenolan
River. Another individual was recorded on the southern
boundary of the reserve and a feed tree was noted near the old
koala enclosure. Yellow-bellied Gliders have a distinct
preference for grey gum (E. punctata) as a feed tree
(Mackowski 1988). All of the sightings of the animals within
JKCR and the neighbouring Kanangra-Boyd have been in
habitats where grey gum is a dominant or co-dominant canopy
species. Kanangra Gorge Sheltered Grey Gum Forest (with
approximately 400 hectares within the reserve) is likely to be
the primary habitat for this species. This vegetation type occurs
in the south-east of the JKCR and is where all sightings to date
have been located.
Regional Conservation Significance
The yellow-bellied glider is widespread in many parts of the
region. It has been found to be common and secure throughout
much of the southern Blue Mountains, generally favouring
gorge country, such as is found in Nattai NP, the Cox’s River
and Kedumba Valleys. Favoured feed trees in the region
include grey gum, forest red gum (E. tereticornis) and monkey
gum (E. cypellocarpa). This glider is well reserved within the region and there are few threats
operating within the park system. The small size of JKCR and the relatively small amount of suitable
habitat within means that JKCR does not contribute significantly to the regional conservation of the
species.
Threats in the Survey Area
Predation by foxes and dogs, though intensive control
in JKCR means this threat is minor at the present time.
Loss of hollow bearing trees. Wildfire will temporarily
reduce the availability of food resources, though the
historically low fire regimes at JKCR mean this is a
minor threat.
Management Considerations
Ongoing fox control may benefit this species.
Protection of hollow-bearing trees.
Protection of active feed trees.
The Vertebrate Fauna of Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve