CR

Northern Glider

Petaurus abidi

Declining

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Petaurus abidi faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its limited range in northern Australia. Mining activities and agricultural expansion have destroyed critical nesting trees and foraging areas, while introduced predators like feral cats pose additional mortality risks. The species' specialized dietary requirements and small population size make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and stochastic events.

Threat summary

Habitat

This gliding possum inhabits tall eucalyptus forests and woodland areas in northern Queensland, requiring large hollow-bearing trees for nesting and a continuous canopy for gliding between feeding sites. The species shows strong preference for mature forest ecosystems with diverse understory vegetation that supports its specialized diet of nectar, sap, and insects.

Forest· major

Other threatened species in PETAURIDAE

VU

Yellow-bellied Glider

Petaurus australis

Declining
EN

Mahogany Glider

Petaurus gracilis

Declining
Tate's Striped PossumEN

Tate's Striped Possum

Dactylopsila tatei

Unknown
CR

Leadbeater's Possum

Gymnobelideus leadbeateri

Declining

Threatened in Papua New Guinea

EN

Montipora calcarea

Declining
VU

Arnaz's Damselfish

Chrysiptera arnazae

Declining
CR

Cryptocarya pergamentacea

Unknown
Montipora capitataEN

Montipora capitata

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Northern Glider classified as Critically Endangered?
Northern Glider is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Petaurus abidi faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its limited range in northern Australia. Mining activities and agricultural expansion have destroyed critical nesting trees and foraging areas, while introduced predators like feral cats pose additional mortality risks. The species' specialized dietary requirements and small population size make it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and stochastic events.
Where does Northern Glider live?
Northern Glider occurs in Papua New Guinea. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Northern Glider?
The main threats to Northern Glider are 1.1, 5.1, 5.3, and ai-1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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