However, in 2012 and 2015, several field guides written by Colin Groves and/or Stephen Jackson listed the greater glider as being split into three species, which was confirmed by a 2020 analysis, which found significant genetic and morphological differences between the three species.

[1] There is some evidence of hybridization between this species and P. armillatus near the southern edge of its range.

[2] It is the smallest of the three greater glider species, growing to the size of a small ringtail possum, although it is similar to P. armillatus in body length.

[5] It can be distinguished from the other two species by its exclusively brownish-grey pelage, with a cream underside.

[2] Although not as endangered as P. volans, it is thought to be at risk due its restricted range, with some parts of its habitat overlapping with areas of development.