THE number of orphaned feathertail gliders requiring care in the Nambucca Valley has increased during recent months, sparking innovation and commitment among local volunteers to meet the unique care needs of the tiny creatures.
The Nambucca Heads Men’s Shed has once again demonstrated the power of community spirit by helping WIRES Mid North Coast volunteers care for these vulnerable native mammals.
The project focuses on feathertail gliders, the world’s smallest gliding mammal.
Weighing an average of just 12 grams, these remarkable native animals feed on pollen, nectar and insects and require highly specialised rehabilitation before they can be returned to the wild.
The custom-built equipment the feathertail gliders demand will also benefit sugar gliders and squirrel gliders that come into care for rehabilitation.
In recent months, WIRES carers have seen an increase in orphaned gliders after their mothers were killed, most commonly by cats.
These tiny animals require specialised enclosures that provide enrichment while keeping them safe. Here they can develop the climbing, gliding and foraging skills they need before returning to the wild.
Following the purchase of a new rehabilitation enclosure, WIRES volunteers approached the Nambucca Heads Men’s Shed to custom-build fittings specifically designed for these unique animals.
The Men’s Shed produced native foliage holders, self-feeding stations that prevent food spilling while the gliders lap their nectar-based diet, and small indoor nesting boxes for rehabilitation.
Special thanks go to Men’s Shed member Alan, whose craftsmanship made these custom items possible.
Alan also went above and beyond by reinforcing the enclosure for added strength and durability, ensuring there were no gaps through which the tiny gliders could escape.
This was particularly important for feathertail gliders, which are renowned escape artists because of their incredibly small size.
The work was completed within just a few days, allowing two feathertail gliders that had outgrown their nursery enclosure to move into their new exercise enclosure where they can build strength, confidence and natural behaviours before their eventual release back into the wild.
Local WIRES Mid North Coast volunteer Tina said the support from the Nambucca Heads Men’s Shed would have lasting benefits for wildlife rehabilitation across the region.
“Community support like this is incredibly valuable to WIRES as it strengthens our capability to provide the very best care for our native wildlife and enhances rehabilitation outcomes,” Tina told NOTA.
“The specialised equipment the Men’s Shed has built can also be shared with other carers, meaning many more gliders will benefit well into the future.
“We simply couldn’t achieve outcomes like this without the generosity of our local community.”
By Mick BIRTLES
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