Detection dogs find elusive glider

Hidden populations of the endangered and elusive southern greater glider have been found in Moreton Bay.

There was only one known location - Sheep Station Creek, Upper Caboolture - of the distinctive cat-sized marsupial, which has large ears and a long fluffy tail.

However, detection dogs have helped confirm the presence of southern greater gliders at Cedar Creek, Moorina, Bunya, Mt Nebo and Mt Glorious.

The known range of the nocturnal marsupial – nicknamed the flying koala due to its appearance and diet of eucalyptus leaves – has grown from one site to 11.

Moreton Bay City Council will soon start using thermal drone technology to search for southern greater gliders at reserves with inaccessible terrain.

Two detection dogs have helped uncover the hidden populations - sniffing out scats, or faeces - over the past three years of a Council conservation project.

DNA analysis confirming the presence of the species at 10 locations across Cedar Creek, Cashmere, Moorina, Bunya, Mt Nebo and Mt Glorious.

Southern greater gliders are one of Australia’s most elusive animals, as they hide out in large eucalyptus trees with well-formed hollows during the day and make no audible noise.

“We thought it didn’t make sense southern greater gliders would only be living at Sheep Station Creek given the amount of suitable habitat in our City,” Mayor Peter Flannery said.

“The substantial presence of this endangered species is yet another example of the exceptionally rich biodiversity that exists in our City.”

Detection dog surveys were undertaken at 40 Council-owned reserves and various Land for Wildlife Properties by Council’s Environmental Services team and the National Environmental Science Program.

German Shepherd Ada and English Springer Spaniel Stanley took it in turns to visit the survey sites where they would search for greater glider scats.

Animal trainer Nicky Wright, said both dogs were raised and trained to detect greater glider scats, with Ada also trained on koala scats.

“We would try to use fire trails and tracks to walk on and send the dog off; when they find a scat they demonstrate a change in behaviour and then present their find,” she said.

“Ada sometimes found koala scats, which look very different to that of a greater glider. Some sites we found so many greater glider scats there was no longer the need to keep looking!”

Council will soon conduct thermal drone searches at reserves with inaccessible terrain following a successful trial at Sheep Station Creek Conservation Park.

Flyers have been distributed to residents to see if they can find southern greater gliders on properties as regular torches can be used to spot their distinctive, reflective golden eye shine.