Supplementary habitat use by endangered southern greater gliders (Petauroides volans)

Context Southern greater gliders (Petauroides volans) are obligate hollow users. Few studies have reported on nest box use by greater gliders, resulting in designs that often lack robust experimental testing, and concerns remain about thermal suitability. Aims This study evaluated the effectiveness of nest boxes as supplementary habitat for southern greater gliders. Methods Nest boxes were installed in areas with varying abundance of greater gliders and monitored over 2 years. Greater glider activity patterns and nest box thermal properties were compared with 16 tree hollows. Key results Of the 34 nest boxes installed, 11 (31%) were used by southern greater gliders. Nest boxes placed in areas with a lower abundance of southern greater gliders and with fewer natural tree hollows, had a higher likelihood of use by southern greater gliders. European honeybees (Apis mellifera) were observed to impact nest box use by greater gliders. Nest boxes provided less thermal insulation than tree hollows, although both den types experienced internal temperatures above 30°C while occupied by southern greater gliders. None of the environmental co-variates tested had a significant influence on whether a southern greater glider would leave a nest box and not return. Conclusions This study found that nest boxes can provide supplementary habitat for greater gliders, particularly in areas lacking natural tree hollows. There was no difference in activity patterns and use between nest boxes and tree hollows. Implications Strategic placement of nest boxes may support short-term conservation management of southern greater gliders by improving habitat availability.