The Leadbeater’s Possum, a species long considered extinct in New South Wales, has been discovered in Kosciuszko National Park (KNP), sparking significant excitement among conservationists. The incredible finding was made by the NSW Government’s threatened species team while reviewing a series of photos on wildlife cameras set-up for another critically endangered species in the Snowy Mountains.
PHOTO: The leadbeater’s possum was thought to be extinct in NSW but has been spotted in KNP by threatened species officers CREDIT: DCCEEW
Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “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.”
Until now, the Leadbeater’s Possum had only been observed alive in Victoria, with the nearest sighting in the past century being about 250 kilometres away from this recent discovery. Remarkably, the possum was captured in seven photographs over a 10-second span by NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water officers reviewing wildlife camera footage set up for surveying the critically endangered smoky mouse at Yarrangobilly.
PHOTO: Leadbeater’s possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri) photographed in KNP CREDIT: DCCEEW
NSW Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe, highlighted the significance of the discovery: “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.”
The Victorian Minister for Environment, Steve Dimopoulos, lauded the discovery, calling it “incredible news,” adding, “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.”
The NSW Government has also commenced the process for an expedited conservation listing of the species through the independent NSW Threatened Species Scientific Committee.