Nocturnal Neighbours - Hollow Bearing Fauna
The Mansfield Shire is home to a surprising diversity of hollow-dependent mammals, birds, and reptiles. However, there’s been little formal data collected in the past 30 years, making it difficult to understand and protect these species. Many in the community are unaware of the wildlife living in nearby forests and reserves, despite recent sightings of threatened species like the Greater Glider generating local interest.
This project aims to fill critical knowledge gaps and raise awareness about the importance of hollow-bearing habitat in and around the Australian Alps Key Biodiversity Area—a nationally significant region for native fauna. Through five guided spotlighting sessions led by an ecologist, community members will learn how to detect and record nocturnal wildlife using modern tools and techniques. The data collected will be entered into the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas to support better conservation decisions and habitat restoration.
This hands-on experience will help build local capacity for citizen science and conservation, while fostering a stronger connection between people and place.
Event Highlights
Session one: Blue Range Camping and Picnic Area
In February 2025, 16 eager students joined Ecologist Bert Lobert for the first of our spotlighting events to look for hollow bearing fauna at Blue Range Camping and Picnic Area. Once darkness fell, we set out to observe the region’s nocturnal wildlife, and we weren’t disappointed. Our sightings included four southern greater gliders, five brush-tailed possums, and two ringtail possums.
Session three: Tolmie Recreation Reserve
Thanks to everyone who joined us for a peaceful evening under the stars at Tolmie Recreation Reserve. Although arboreal mammals were quiet on the night, we did spot a couple of inquisitive brushtail possums and enjoyed connecting with fellow community members who care deeply about our local wildlife.
Session four: Strathbogie Forest
On Saturday 5 July, we held our fourth Nocturnal Neighbours spotlighting event at Barjarg in the Strathbogie Forest—and it was a truly magical night. With torches lighting the way, we spotted ringtail possums, a Krefft’s glider high in the canopy, and several impressive white-winged chough mud nests. The evening ended on a high with a rare sighting of a southern greater glider—an unforgettable moment with this elusive, fluffy-tailed native. Thanks to all who joined us for another special night in the forest.
Session five: Still to come!
Session two: Blue Range Camping and Picnic Area
On a crisp Friday evening in May at Blue Range Creek Campground, 14 nature lovers joined ecologist Bertram Lobert for the second of our Nocturnal Neighbours spotlighting events, supported by Bendigo Bank’s Community Impact Program. The group was thrilled to spot eight Southern Greater Gliders—Australia’s largest gliding marsupials—gliding silently through the trees, along with a ringtail possum and roosting kookaburras. Held in a narrow remnant of native forest, the event highlighted the importance of habitat for threatened species, with all glider sightings submitted to the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas to aid conservation efforts.
Our final Nocturnal Neighbours spotlighting event is just around the corner! Join us on Friday 8 August for one last chance to explore the forest after dark and discover which nocturnal creatures are out and about. This is a great opportunity to connect with nature, learn from local experts, and be part of a special community experience.
For more information and to register your interest, please Click Here.
Acknowledgments
A big thank you to ecologist Bertram Lobert for sharing his knowledge and photos and to everyone who came along for a night of wildlife discovery!
Up2Us Landcare Alliance was a grant recipient of the 2025 Bendigo Bank – Community Bank Mansfield & District ‘Community Impact Program’. Your banking can make a real difference. Community banking is based on a ‘profit-with-purpose’ model, which means profits are reinvested back into the community that has generated them.
