Even before the bushfires, the mountain pygmy-possum numbers in the wild were estimated at approximately 2,500 adults. Given that the bushfires affected a large part of the territory in which this species occurs, it can be assumed that this number has decreased further.

Besides the bushfires, the mountain pygmy-possum populations are under tremendous pressure from three factors. The first is the creation of ski resorts and infrastructure development—which is why, for example, “love tunnels” are being built for pygmy-possums in the Australian Alps, so that males of this rare species can get to the females by travelling under a road. The second, even bigger problem is that the bogong moths (Agrotis infusa), which are an important component of their diet, have almost disappeared. This means that the mountain pygmy-possums are in poor condition, with most females even losing their litters. The third big blow is climate change—the mountain pygmy-possum cannot survive the high summer temperatures and wakes up from hibernation earlier.

Besides measures in the Australian Alps, i.e. in the area where it currently lives, one way to save the mountain pygmy-possum could be to translocate some individuals from the alpine environment to the lowland, cool wet sclerophyll forest, which, according to paleontological findings, it inhabited in the past. The animals should have enough food there and would not have to hibernate.

In collaboration with the PANGEA Research Centre and via Secret Creek Sanctuary (New South Wales), we have decided to support this ground-breaking and courageous project with a contribution of AU$ 190,000. The project involves breeding mountain pygmy-possums, conducting research, carefully acclimatising them to resources found at the planned release sites, and ultimately releasing them into lowland forests.

Organisation a instition/area:
PANGEA Research Centre – Secret Creek Sanctuary (New South Wales)

Amount:
AU$ 190,000

A picture of the mountain pygmy-possum from the nocturnal exhibit in Healesville Sanctuary. Photo: Miroslav Bobek, Prague Zoo