In an encouraging turn for conservationists, the critically endangered mountain pygmy-possum is exhibiting signs of recovery in Kosciuszko National Park. A recent survey at Snow Ridge Hill, one of the possum’s primary habitats, revealed an unprecedented 107 individuals. Impressively, 78 of these were female, most carrying the maximum of four joeys in their pouches.
PHOTO: Mountain pygmy-possum numbers are bouncing back CREDITS: Alex Pike (DPIE)
The positive outcomes are credited to concerted conservation strategies initiated after the 2019-2020 bushfires. The fires and preceding droughts had severely impacted the possums’ habitat, primarily by reducing their key food source, the bogong moth. Before the fires, approximately 1,000 possums inhabited the park, a number that plummeted to around 700 post-disaster.
PHOTO: The mountain pygmy-possum has faced a number of threats since the 2019-2020 bushfires.
To combat these challenges, the Saving Our Species Program, in collaboration with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), orchestrated a remarkable recovery effort. The initiative included the innovative deployment of ‘bogong bickies’, specially designed nutritional biscuits developed by NPWS staff, local volunteers, and students from Berridale, Cooma, Adaminaby, and Jindabyne schools. These efforts have led to a significant rebound in possum numbers, now surpassing 940 across their habitats.
Dr Linda Broome, a long-standing advocate for the species, played a crucial role in the survey. “It is heartening to see mountain pygmy-possum numbers thriving again following the devastation of the 2019-2020 summer bushfires,” Dr Broome noted, commending the resilience of the possums and the dedication of the conservation teams. “This is a positive step towards restoring the ecological balance in the area. While this is an encouraging milestone, recovery efforts are far from over. We will continue our work to support these possums and strengthen their population.”
PHOTO: Dr Linda Broome checks the weight of a mountain pygmy-possum.
Minister for Environment, Penny Sharpe, also expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “It’s wonderful to see the population of mountain pygmy-possums showing signs of recovery thanks to important conservation work. Thank you to Dr Linda Broome and the National Parks and Wildlife staff and volunteers who are working hard to protect this precious animal found nowhere else in the world.”
Meanwhile, Steve Whan, Member for Monaro, highlighted the community’s role in this success, praising local students for their initiative in creating the vital bickies. He remarked, “The bogong bickies made by local school students who are passionate about helping to save this species clearly made a critical contribution.”
Despite this progress, challenges remain. Some southern park sites report lower possum numbers despite abundant food. Thus, the call to avoid closed habitats, especially at Blue Cow, becomes essential for winter visitors keen on supporting this recovery.