Two monitoring periods occurred in the Albury study area in 2020, Autumn and Spring. The survey effort in each period was 62 sites and 60 sites monitored respectively. Results showed:

• 22 Squirrel Glider detections in the Autumn monitoring period (detection rate of 35%)
• 23 Squirrel Glider detections in the Spring monitoring period (detection rate of 38%).

This was an increase in overall glider detection rates from the previous year (2019), where the respective detection rates were 32% (Autumn 2019) and 30% (Spring 2019). The 2020 monitoring periods have shown an increase in the glider detection rates to nearly that of the initial 40% in Winter 2018, after three consecutive decreases in the rate.

RESULTS – WODONGA (LENEVA / BARANDUDA), VIC

Two monitoring periods occurred in the Wodonga study area in 2020, Winter and Spring. The survey effort in each period was 48 sites and 53 sites monitored respectively. Results showed:

• 13 Squirrel Glider detections in the Autumn monitoring period (detection rate of 27%)
• 13 Squirrel Glider detections in the Spring monitoring period (detection rate of 25%)

Whilst both the Winter and Spring 2020 surveys detected gliders at 13 sites, there was an increase in detection nights per site (average = 4) during Spring compared to Winter (average = <2). The increased activity in spring may be associated with breeding and denning behaviour. As this is the first year of monitoring within the Victorian study area, these detection rates will provide a baseline moving forward.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Implementation of the Albury Wodonga Threatened Species Monitoring Program should be continued across the major urban growth areas of Albury (Thurgoona / Wirlinga) and Wodonga (Leneva / Baranduda). This will continue to improve knowledge of threatened species and identify critical habitats, linkages, and management interventions to ensure the populations remain viable in the face of urbanisation.
2. The Albury Wodonga Threatened Species Monitoring Program should continue to be supported by Albury City and Wodonga Council as it closely aligns with the Regional Natural Environment Strategy (RNES), and meets many of the listed actions in the RNES Action Plan (2020-24).
3. The Albury Wodonga Threatened Species Monitoring Program should continue to explore opportunities to expand the current list of sites being monitored, include additional species being targeted, and engage interested community groups, key stakeholders, researchers and other individuals.
4. The Albury Wodonga Threatened Species Monitoring Program should conduct follow-up surveys in the Wodonga study area to identify Squirrel Glider and/ or Krefft’s Glider presence and contribute to a species identification protocol.

The Albury Wodonga Threatened Species Monitoring Program has been made possible with funding from Albury City Council, Ross Trust, Wettenhall Environment Trust, Wodonga Council and others.