Current estimates and vegetation preferences of an endangered population of the vulnerable greater glider at Seven Mile Beach National Park

This study aimed to provide accurate and current distribution and density estimates of the greater glider population size at Seven Mile Beach National Park, New South Wales Australia from extensive spotlight surveys. Distribution mapping of greater gliders and ArcGIS modelling allowed effective visual representation of the population’s distribution and provided preliminary evidence of a vegetation preference for the species within the study area. Spotlight surveys revealed the population ranged from 0 to 1.13 (±0.34) greater gliders per hectare; with an average of 0.41 greater gliders per hectare across Seven Mile National Park. An estimated total of 335 greater gliders could reside in the area. Vegetation surveys confirmed there was a higher encounter rate of greater gliders within Eucalyptus pilularis, blackbutt dominated forest. As expected, the number of suitable hollows was also an important factor affecting greater glider distribution. These findings have site‐specific implications for a number of suitable management options (e.g. nest boxes, road crossing structures and glider poles).