Calling behaviour of the Yellow-bellied Glider, Petaurus australis Shaw (Marsupialia: Petauridae).

Abstract

Vocalizations of the Yellow-bellied Glider, Petaurus australis, were studied at Nadgee State Forest, near Eden, New South Wales. Six basic call types were recognized aurally and shown to have characteristic sonographs. Several short primary call components of high energy and relatively pure frequencies were identified. These were combined with medium frequency bands of lower energy to form calls of longer duration. High calling rates occurred early in the night and were associated with time of emergence from hollows, periods of gliding and food searching. During the months August to May, the pattern was similar. Calls were heard throughout the night but calling frequency declined after midnight. In June and July, few or no calls were heard. Reasons for the differential calling rate and the functions of various call types are discussed.