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https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/03/cuddles-and-drama-as-live-stream-shows-secret-life-of-ridiculously-fluffy-greater-glider>
"Conservationists call them “ridiculously cute” and “captivating” – and now a
live stream offers a global audience the chance to view life inside the hollow
for a family of eastern Australia’s largest gliding possums.
The hollow-cam broadcasting live from a tree in south-east New South Wales
offered unlimited greater glider viewing for animal lovers and reality TV
tragics.
Australian National University ecologist Dr Ana Gracanin installed the live
stream – 16 metres above the ground – to raise awareness about the plight of
the endangered animal.
“Most Australians don’t know that the species even exists, so we are getting a
world-first exclusive into the secret life of greater gliders,” she said.
Habitat destruction, including land clearing, logging and climate-fuelled
bushfires have seen greater glider populations decline by 80% in some areas
over recent decades.
Gracanin said the tree hollow in Tallaganda forest – a glider stronghold – was
one of the best she had ever come across. It was large, spacious and well lit,
she said.
During the testing phase, Gracanin recorded more than 1,000 hours of glider
B-roll. She said there was occasional drama between the adult pair, who had
likely been together for many years, as well as affection.
“They present their head to their partner, waiting for a head groom, and as
this happens they often close their eyes in apparent enjoyment,” she said. “Who
doesn’t love a good head scratch?
“They groom a lot to maintain the fur on their ridiculously fluffy bodies and
tails. Otherwise it could get quite matted and resemble dreadlocks. Spending
time together is important because they can groom each other in hard-to-reach
spots and it also helps maintain their bond.”
Those logging on to view the footage could expect plenty of scratching,
grooming and cuddles between two resident adult gliders, and potentially a joey
peeking out of its mother’s pouch.
The family was regularly home between dawn and dusk, with increased activity
around sunset."
Share and enjoy,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
