A Leadbeater’s Possum – a species long presumed extinct in New South Wales – has been discovered alive in Kosciuszko National Park by government threatened species officers, in a dramatic and hopeful turn for one of Australia’s most iconic mammals.
Until now, Leadbeater’s Possums had only been found in Victoria, where they are listed as critically endangered and serve as the state’s mammal emblem. The nearest known living population is over 250 kilometres away from the new NSW detection site. In NSW, the species was previously known only from bones, thought to be up to 200 years old, found in caves near the site of the recent discovery.
‘This incredible find proves just how fragile – and poorly understood – Australia’s alpine and mountain ecosystems are,’ Jack Gough, CEO of the Invasive Species Council said.
‘This exciting discovery is a powerful reminder of how precious Australia’s mountain wildlife is – and how urgently we need to protect it.
‘Feral horses and deer are trampling these habitats. Snow gum dieback is hollowing out the forests. Climate change is fuelling more extreme fires. This possum has survived against the odds – but it won’t survive without real, large-scale action.
‘This isn’t just about saving one species. It’s about protecting entire landscapes – and the incredible native animals that call them home.
‘We are calling on governments to back up this discovery with serious investment in threat reduction – including feral animal control, climate resilience and habitat restoration across the Australian Alps.’
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