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| Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife |
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Mountain Pygmy-Possum Burramys parvus
The tiny Mountain Pygmy-Possums hibernate during winter in snow laden boulder fields on the coldest slopes of the Snowy Mountains. In summer they emerge to eat the migrating Bogong moths and the fruits of the Mountain Plum pine. Fewer than 500 individuals exist in NSW due to predation, loss of habitat, global warming and competition with skiers. For more than a decade Dr Linda Broome of the NPWS has been studying this rare and endangered possum. She believes urgent action is needed to halt the decline in numbers. In October 2001 the Draft Mountain Pygmy Possum Recovery Plan was exhibited that suggests a series of actions to be undertaken to help ensure the long term viability of the species. The Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife has supported the preparation of the Recovery Plan over the past 10 years by funding annual field surveys, bioclimatic modelling of habitat sites and public awareness campaigns. Foundation Governor Mr David Archer funded the program for the past three years. Possum surveys The Mountain Pygmy-Possum is the only Australian mammal that needs winter snow to survive. An insulating snow cover is crucial for the possum’s annual winter hibernation. The habitat is also particularly vulnerable to the threat of global warming, since this would reduce winter snow cover.
Surveys of the possum population involve setting small mammal traps in the late afternoon. These are then checked the following morning. Captured possums are weighed and their sex and general health noted. They are then ear tagged for future reference. Until 2000, the largest population of the Mountain Pygmy-possum was at Mt Blue Cow. During 2000 researchers saw this population plummet. Scientists believe increasing numbers of feral cats in resort areas were the most likely cause of this decline. The potential recovery of possums from the subsequent fires will be complicated by this earlier population decline. The Mt Blue Cow habitat was severely damaged by the 2003 fires, with 75-80% of the habitat severely burnt. Trapping has revealed evidence of breeding of Mountain Pygmy-Possums since the fires. However, there is no sign yet of resprouting of the Mountain Plum pine cover in this habitat. This lack of cover will make the threat from predation even higher. The Mountain Plum pine was also a food source for the possum, along with bogong moths and other arthropods. The entire population of Mountain Pygmy-Possums remaining in the wild is less than 2100 individuals. They are the last of their species in the world. Recovery actions The numerous studies of the Mountain Pygmy-Possum carried out over the last decade have provided vital information on its ecology. Habitat loss has emerged as one of the greatest threats to the continued viability of populations. A number of recovery actions have already taken place, which are designed to address the dual problems of habitat loss and fragmentation. Habitat fragmentation has been reduced at Mt Blue Cow by constructing movement corridors around a major ski run. Programs to control and monitor feral animals in resort areas have also been in place since 1997. Resort operators have assisted by decreasing snow grooming activities within possum habitat. These conservation efforts will continue into the future. Existing populations will be protected with a planned focus on high recreational use areas. The upgrading of existing movement corridors is also planned, and the establishment of further new corridors will be investigated. Mountain Pygmy-Possum populations and habitat including available food sources and snow depth will be monitored on an ongoing annual basis. |
In
2003, funded by the Foundation, Dr Linda Broome, re-assessed the total
population size and distribution of the possum, completing her work after
the recent fires in Kosciuszko National Park.