Community Involvement
In early 2025, the Katherine Savanna Glider Project joined the Landcare NT network and began bringing people together around night surveys and monitoring work along the Katherine River and surrounding areas.
Across the year, volunteers took part in eight night surveys at sites including Donkey Camp, Manbulloo Homestead and nearby bushland. Some surveys marked firsts, including the first recorded Savanna Glider sighting for the year. Others ended without a glider in sight, but still added to the group’s growing records of nocturnal wildlife, from brushtail possums and bandicoots to tawny frogmouths, flying foxes and freshwater crocodiles.
Working Alongside Community
As surveys continued, more people became involved in supporting the on-ground work. Artificial nest boxes began taking shape through local collaboration, with the Katherine Men’s Shed building boxes and community groups, including the Katherine Girl Guides, helping prepare them for installation. By the end of the year, fifteen nest boxes had been installed across Katherine township and nearby properties, with another six ready to go.
Volunteers are now returning to check boxes using nest box cameras and pole-mounted inspections. These checks allow the group to look for signs of activity and track how boxes are being used over time. Early inspections have already shown movement, with more checks planned as additional boxes are installed.
Throughout the year, partnerships have continued to grow. Landholders have welcomed surveys and installations on their properties, and organisations such as the Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre have supported box placement on their grounds.
A Strong First Year
In its first year, the Katherine Savanna Glider Project has moved from early surveys to an expanding network of monitoring sites, nest boxes and local collaborations. With more surveys scheduled and installations continuing into the year ahead, the groundwork laid in 2025 is shaping what comes next.
