Scientists just discovered that the greater glider is actually several different species . They suspected that greater gliders were different but this suspicion was not confirmed until now.
DNA testing revealed that there are actually three different species.
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Greater gliders are found in Australia.
Like many animals in Australia, greater gliders are marsupials and are about the size of a possum.
They get their name because they can glide up to 100 meters. They live in the forest and eat eucalyptus leaves. The greater glider has great big, adorable eyes because it is a nocturnal animal. During the day, it sleeps in tree hollows.
Greater gliders live across a large range.
Denise McGregor, a PhD student at The Australian National University , said:
“There has been speculation for a while that there was more than one species of greater glider, but now we have proof from the DNA. It changes the whole way we think about them.”
Recently, glider populations have declined.
A better understanding of glider populations helps scientists to protect gliders better. Kara Youngentob, one of the researchers who discovered the species, said:
“This year Australia experienced a bushfire season of unprecedented severity, resulting in widespread habitat loss and mortality. As a result, there’s been an increased focus on understanding genetic diversity and structure of species to protect resilience in the face of climate change.”
The new discovery demonstrates the biodiversity of Australia.
The greater glider is one of Australia’s favorite animals, so they are excited to learn the there are more gliders than they suspected. Andrew Krockenberger, a researcher on the team, said:
“Australia’s biodiversity just got a lot richer. It’s not every day that new mammals are confirmed, let alone two new mammals.”
