Hello Possum! Species thought extinct in NSW found | Australian Markets

A Leadbeater’s Possum, long believed to be extinct in NSW, has been found in Kosciuszko National Park by the NSW Government’s threatened species group.

Until now, data show this species has solely been detected alive in Victoria, with the closest recorded sighting in the previous century round 250 kilometres away from this discover in NSW.

The possum is the mammal emblem of Victoria and is listed as a critically endangered species underneath Commonwealth and Victorian law. In NSW, it was beforehand identified solely from bones, believed to be up to 200 years previous, that had been found in caves close to the current detection web site.

A Leadbeater’s Possum has now been noticed in seven images taken over a 10-second period whereas threatened species officers from the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water had been reviewing virtually a million pictures from ground-based wildlife cameras set up to survey for the critically endangered smoky mouse at Yarrangobilly.

Leadbeater’s Possums weigh roughly 125g. They dwell largely in moist eucalypt forests in tree hollows as breeding pairs and household teams, which means this particular person should belong to a beforehand unknown population.

The identification was confirmed by Healesville Sanctuary and the Australian National University.

Images from previous surveys throughout Kosciuszko National Park are actually being reviewed for any additional proof of the species. Cameras shall be deployed throughout mountain forests in the park, utilizing strategies developed in Victoria, to study more concerning the species and inform a conservation program.

Threatened species specialists are figuring out the habitat location, measurement and extent of the population, which is able to help inform subsequent steps and a conservation program for the species.

The Victorian Government will lend its experience with the species.

The NSW Government has additionally commenced the method for an expedited conservation itemizing of the species by the impartial NSW Threatened Species Scientific Committee.

Quote attributable to NSW Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:

“It’s extraordinary to discover a species that was previously thought to be extinct in NSW.

“For ecologists to spot a needle in a haystack of millions of images speaks to their commitment to the conservation cause and demonstrates that NSW Government threatened species officers are doing some of the most incredible work. I congratulate them on this discovery.

“This special find in Kosciuszko National Park once again highlights why the Minns Labor Government is taking action to remove invasive species to protect Australia’s only mainland alpine region, which spans the NSW and Victorian border.”

Quote attributable to Victorian Minister for Environment, Steve Dimopoulos:

“What incredible news that a species thought to exist only in our state has been detected in NSW.

“The discovery of a new, separate population brings hope for the conservation of this species and reduces the risk to the species from single catastrophic events.

“The Victorian Government stands ready to provide expertise to the NSW Government to give this species hope for the future on both sides of the border.

“Congratulations to our NSW Government colleagues for this rare, once in a lifetime discovery.”

Quote attributable to Member for Monaro, Minister Steve Whan:

“We’re known internationally for our unique flora and fauna, and it’s a massive drawcard for our region especially.

“I’m incredibly excited to learn that the Leadbeater’s Possum, a critically endangered species only thought to be found in Victoria in small numbers, has been confirmed living in Kosciuszko National Park.

“This is truly wonderful news and is early evidence that the NSW Government’s efforts to control invasive species is working.”

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