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Evolutionary, molecular and comparative zoology
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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 57(1)

Vocal behaviour of the squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis)

David J. Sharpe A B and Ross L. Goldingay A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A School of Environmental Science and Management, Southern Cross University, PO Box 157, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia.

B Corresponding author. Email: davidsharpe3@bigpond.com

Australian Journal of Zoology 57(1) 55-64 https://doi.org/10.1071/ZO08075
Submitted: 16 September 2008  Accepted: 19 April 2009   Published: 29 May 2009

Abstract

We describe the vocal behaviour of the squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) from 465 h of observation across five sites in north-east New South Wales and south-east Queensland. A monosyllabic or polysyllabic nasal grunt was the most frequent call (56% of 208 calls); it ranged from single calls to sequences of up to 20-min duration (mean 2.1 min ± 0.6, s.e.) and was heard on 34% of nights (n = 83) at two sites. The rate of the nasal grunt showed a positive relationship with population density at one site. The nasal grunt was typically made when conspecifics were near the caller, but responses were infrequent (7% of observations). Call playback produced no discernable change in call response. The nasal grunt appears to regulate individual spacing by facilitating mutual avoidance, a function hypothesised to be an evolutionary precursor to the use of calls in territorial defence. Threatening calls were the next most common vocalisation (17% of calls) and were accompanied by scuffles and/or chases. They were also used when gliders were preyed upon and during animal handling. The calling behaviour of the squirrel glider confirms the importance of vocal communication among petaurid gliders.


Acknowledgements

We thank Craig Taylor for on-going technical support of our field studies and for conducting call playback at Larnook. Brendan Taylor is thanked for the use of his unpublished observations from Karawatha Forest Reserve. Brisbane City Council, the NSW NPWS and NSW State Forests are thanked for allowing access to their estate. Brisbane City Council is thanked for providing financial support of our research in Brisbane.


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