Do Squirrel Gliders live along the proposed Ellerton Drive Extension?
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This is the question being asked by some residents, who believe they have photographed the animal in the area.
The Office of Environment and Heritage is looking into the matter.
A spokeswoman from OEH said they had commissioned a study to confirm whether Squirrel Gliders occur within the area proposed for the extension of Ellerton Drive.
"Squirrel Gliders are listed as vulnerable in NSW and have not been previously recorded in the project area," the spokeswoman said.
"Squirrel Gliders are larger than their Sugar Glider counterparts, which are more widely distributed and known to occur in the project area.
"It is also important to note that while Sugar Gliders are a protected species, they are not listed as threatened or vulnerable in NSW."
The study was conducted throughout January and involved setting traps and taking measurements and DNA samples to confirm the species of glider trapped.
Infrared trail cameras have also been set up at various locations in the proposed extension area to record sightings of gliders.
"The study is in its final stages," the spokeswoman said.
"OEH expects to receive the final report in the coming weeks.
"The report will be provided to Queanbeyan City Council for their consideration in their assessment and determination of the proposed extension of Ellerton Drive. These findings will also be considered by OEH in its response to council's Species Impact Statement."