Many of Australia's nocturnal mammals are rare or endangered in the wi
ld. The behavioural integrity of captive populations of endangered spe
cies can be maintained through the application of environmental enrich
ment techniques. This study investigated the effectiveness of feeding
enrichment in promoting behavioural diversity, enclosure usage and spe
cies-typical behaviours in the ghost bat (Macroderma gigas) and the ye
llow-bellied glider (Petaurus australis). Animals were observed for 30
0 min day(-1) over three consecutive time periods: baseline (12 non-co
nsecutive days); enrichment: (12 consecutive days); and post-enrichmen
t: (12 non-consecutive days). The use of a live insect dispenser decre
ased grooming and increased out-of-sight and social behaviour in the g
host bat. Artificial gum trees promoted species-typical behaviours in
the yellow-bellied glider. Enrichment for nocturnal mammals had variab
le results and different welfare implications for these animals.