Meet your nocturnal neighbours: discover Mansfield’s arboreal mammals

HAVE you ever wondered what’s rustling in the treetops after dark around Mansfield? You might be surprised by the secret lives unfolding above our heads each night. Our local forests are home to our unique native, tree-dwelling mammals—creatures like gliders that soar between branches and possums with wide, watchful eyes. These animals are rarely seen during the day, but they play crucial roles in keeping our bushland healthy and thriving. Arboreal (tree-dwelling) mammals help pollinate native plants, spread seeds, and keep insect numbers in check. Take the Greater Glider, for example: it’s a fussy eater, choosing only certain eucalypt leaves, and in doing so, helps recycle nutrients and support the forest’s natural balance. Possums and gliders also create homes for other wildlife, thanks to their nesting habits and the way they use tree hollows. These animals are also indicators of how our forests are faring. They are sensitive to changes in their environment, a healthy population of gliders and possums usually means our bushland is in good shape. To help everyone get to know these shy locals, Up2Us Landcare Alliance is running a series of night-time spotlighting walks over the coming months. These guided adventures are a chance to experience the magic of the bush after dark and learn about the creatures living right in our backyard. We’re hoping to spot some of Mansfield’s most iconic nocturnal residents, including the Greater Glider, Sugar Glider, Common Ringtail possum, Phascogale, and Brush-tailed possum. All of these animals depend on old trees with natural hollows for shelter and nesting—a resource that’s becoming harder to find as mature trees disappear from the landscape. Tree hollows can take more than a century to form. Once they are gone, they cannot be quickly replaced, which is why protecting these old trees is so important for the future of our wildlife. These spotlighting events are part of Up2Us’s ‘Hollow Bearing Fauna in the Mansfield Shire’ project, supported by the 2025 Bendigo Bank – Community Bank Mansfield & District Community Impact Program. The project aims to shine a light on the importance of hollow-bearing trees and the vital homes they provide for our native species. “Getting to know our local arboreal mammals isn’t just about conservation—it’s about connecting with the unique natural heritage that makes Mansfield special,” says Jess Robinson, Up2Us Project Officer. Places are limited and bookings are essential. The events are family-friendly—just bring a torch, dress warmly, and get ready for an evening of discovery. To find out more or to book your spot, visit www.up2us.org.au or call Up2Us on 5779 1593.

Meet your nocturnal neighbours: discover Mansfield’s arboreal mammals

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