Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Diprotodontia
- Family
- Petauridae
- Genus
- Dactylospila
Habitat
This species primarily inhabits tropical rainforests and eucalyptus woodlands in northern Australia and New Guinea. It prefers areas with dense canopy cover for gliding and shelter, often at elevations up to 1,500 meters.
Diet
The Great-tailed Triok feeds mainly on insects, nectar, and fruits, using its elongated fourth finger to extract insects from bark. It is nocturnal, foraging in the trees at night, and supplements its diet with pollen and sap from eucalyptus trees.
Behavior
Great-tailed Trioks are nocturnal and arboreal, spending most of their time gliding between trees using a patagium membrane. They are generally solitary but may form small family groups, exhibiting territorial behavior by marking trees with scent glands. They are agile climbers and communicate with soft chirps during mating or alarm situations.
Conservation Status
The Great-tailed Triok is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population trend, though habitat loss from deforestation poses a potential threat. Conservation efforts focus on protecting rainforest habitats in Australia and New Guinea.