Greater gliders not as great at gliding as thought – but still look like magic carpets, experts say
Researchers have found that greater gliders are not as great at gliding as previously thought, with an average distance of 19 metres. The study, which used infrared binoculars and lasers to track the marsupials, challenges assumptions about how far the endangered animals can travel. Despite their limited gliding ability, greater gliders are still an impressive sight to behold, with their membrane stretching from their elbows to their ankles allowing them to soar through the air.
- ▪The average gliding distance of greater gliders is 19 metres, far shorter than the 100 metres previously suggested.
- ▪The longest flight captured in the study was just under 50 metres.
- ▪Greater gliders rely on tree cover to travel and forage for eucalyptus leaves, and gaps in their habitat could stymie their movement.
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| Original publisher | the Guardian |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jul/16/greater-gliders-gliding-study |
| Publication time | Wed, 15 Jul 2026 15:01:00 GMT |
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A greater glider filmed gliding between treesAustralian climate and environmental reportingEndangered speciesGreater gliders not as great at gliding as thought – but still look like magic carpets, experts sayWhile new study challenges assumptions about how far they travel, witnessing them in action still takes your breath away, scientists say Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Supported byAbout this contentPetra StockWed 15 Jul 2026 11.01 EDTLast modified on Wed 15 Jul 2026 11.02 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThey may look like a fluffy flying carpet, but greater gliders are not as great at gliding as previously thought, Australian researchers have discovered.The first study to measure the aerial…
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