Deep in the Brother State Forest, an ongoing battle for conservation is unfolding. The high- altitude wet eucalypt forest home to the endangered Greater Glider is under threat as logging operations encroach on their habitat, raising concerns among environmental advocates.
The Greater Glider, sometimes called ‘Mogwai,’ is Australia’s largest gliding marsupial. These nocturnal tree dwellers rely on towering den trees, some stretching 50 meters high, for shelter and survival. Brother State Forest’s unique location—situated 1,100 meters above sea level—creates a rich ecosystem that supports these specialist tree-dwellers. However, local conservationists warn that current logging activities are compromising protections meant to safeguard their habitat.
“The conditions of harvest are supposed to protect these animals, but in Brother, many of the critical den trees within the harvest area are not being preserved,” says Mr. Sparks, an advocate for Greater Glider conservation.
Listed as endangered under the NSW government and the EPBC Act since July 2022, the Greater Glider faces two primary threats: climate change and deforestation. Alarmingly, logging is taking place in areas previously set aside for conservation. Twenty years ago, under the Integrated Forestry Operations Approval (IFOA), portions of Brother State Forest were designated as habitat corridors. These protected zones ensured a connection across the landscape for wildlife movement. Today, sections of those corridors have been significantly impacted by logging operations.
Despite these challenges, conservationists emphasise that individuals can take meaningful action to protect the Greater Gliders. Choosing sustainable alternatives when purchasing hardwood products, visiting and supporting local forests, and advocating for stronger protections are key steps.
As the battle over the Brother State Forest continues, environmental groups urge the community to remain engaged in protecting Australia’s irreplaceable biodiversity.
Despite these challenges, conservationists stress that every individual has the power to make a difference. By choosing sustainable alternatives when purchasing hardwood products, visiting and supporting local forests, and advocating for stronger protections, we can help ensure the Greater Gliders continue to soar through our forests.
This is a pivotal moment—without action, these unique marsupials could disappear from Brother State Forest forever. If you care about protecting Australia’s irreplaceable biodiversity, consider writing to policymakers, supporting conservation organisations, or even visiting the forest to witness firsthand what’s at stake.
The future of the Greater Gliders depends on what we do today. The time to act is now.
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