We all want to help but how?

Like so many other facets of life we have accept that we cannot move mountains or change society's opinions on our own, but we can all do our bit.

The role of the Community
Most gliders needing help are located and presented by members of the general public What you do in those first hours is crucially important and will allow the experts to take over. Councils have also requested that their municipality constituents assist with road kill charting, it may sound ghoulish but it will achieve positive results. Consider helping.

The role of National Parks and Wildlife
Lack of funding to research one species in particular is their biggest draw back. Most programmes to charter road kill are in their infancy. Recent programmes involved requesting councils encourage community assistance in mapping road kill and imploring community members who stumble across injured wildlife to get it to professional carers for rehabilitation.. Nationally they are currently investigating using the scent of predators to keep vulnerable species out of suburbia and away from roads but locally they can only do their best to assist in recuperatimg injured native species.

The role of Registered Carers
No words can express the gift these people give our wildlife. Selfless hours and days of dedication ensure any patients brought to them are given every chance at a new life. Carers also band together to raise community awareness of their work and the need for funds to continue that work. Their current goal is to raise sufficient funds or sponsorship to operate a state-wide emergency phone number.

The Role of Biotechnology
Genomics, although currently in its infancy, will play a huge part in strengthening the gene pool and preserving our wildlife in the years to come

The Role of Forestry Management

Bands of native forest must be preserved to ensure native tall timber corridors remain. The sugar glider cannot survive in a plantation of short-term monoculture trees.

The Role of Landcare
Ecological balance is the key. Eucalypt Die Back, soil erosion, deteriorating water quality and the use of poisons all impact of the gliders ecosystem and Landcare works tirelessly to implement long term solutions

The Role of Councils
Unfortunately if a sugar glider is grounded it is totally vulnerable and probably won't survive. But as suburbia further encroaches into native bushland councils have included strategies such as Road Kill Surveys and Mapping. At least three major councils in southern Tasmania alone are cooperating in an effort to target wildlife black spots with the aim of reducing deaths. These projects are usually
manned by community volunteers and school groups.

The Role of State Government
The Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources have commenced a Road Kill Mapping programme using contractors to patrol state maintained roads. Although only in its infancy, they hope this study will provide meaningful data within 3 years.

Kits are available for feedback to Council on -
- Numbers, species and location
- Where signs need to be erected warning motorists to slow down.
- Whether reflectors on cars might be effective
- Whether animal ramps are called for
- Whether ultrasonic devices will be effective
- Whether shelter fencing might help

The role of the Corporate citizen
After years of carers providing their own time and money in raising community awareness a Tasmanian business has this year funded an ongoing newsletter and promotional campaign in the form of fundraising stickers.

This illustrates the direction of the future role of the corporate sector in maintaining their environmental responsibility as a contribution to the community and future biodiversity.