Photo credit: Linda Broome
The Mountain Pygmy-possum, Burramys parvus, is listed as ‘CRITICALLY ENDANGERED’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. This is the only Australian mammal that is confined to alpine environments, being found in three isolated populations on mountain summits in southeastern Australia.
The Mountain Pygmy-possum occupies a tiny area, and its populations are highly fragmented. The species’ habitat has been affected by introduced mammals, the development of the ski industry in the Australian Alps, and increased temperatures and decreasing snow cover due to climate change. Bushfires, and a decline in the species’ main prey, the Bogong Moth, are also a problem.
Although the species’ entire range occurs within protected areas, important parts of these are in ski resort lease areas. However, management plans are in place for the Mountain Pygmypossum, and a national recovery plan is being prepared. A range of other recommended conservation measures include habitat restoration, predator control, population and habitat monitoring, and captive breeding programmes.
Geographic Range of the Mountain Pygmy-Possum
Credit: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™
To learn more about the Mountain Pygmy-Possum, click here. Or visit the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ by clicking their logo below.
To learn more about the Bush Warriors “Species of the Day” feature, please click here and read up on our initiative to raise awareness about the loss of earth’s biodiversity.
