Recovery of the Southern Greater Glider (Petauroides volans) following the extreme drought, heatwaves, and mega-fires of 2019–2020 in the southern Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Australia

Southern Greater Gliders (Petauroides volans) show rapid recovery in lightly and moderately burnt areas of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Australia, following the 2019–2020 mega-fires. Unlike severely burnt transects where gliders were eliminated due to complete loss of eucalypt foliage, populations in less affected areas rebounded within four years, with some exceeding pre-fire levels by 45%. This recovery was likely aided by high post-fire rainfall but underscores the critical need for fire management and habitat protection. The study highlights that severe wildfires can irreparably damage glider populations, emphasizing the importance of preserving high-quality habitat and wildlife corridors to ensure species survival.

Smith, P., & Smith, J. (2025). Recovery of the Southern Greater Glider (Petauroides volans) following the extreme drought, heatwaves, and mega-fires of 2019–2020 in the southern Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Australia. Pacific Conservation Biology, 31(2). https://doi.org/10.1071/pc24061