Leadbeater's Possum

Gymnobelideus leadbeateri

Australia's Threatened Species Category

Critically Endangered

Listed since: 2/05/2015

IUCN's Threatened Species Category

Critically Endangered

Listed since: 22/04/2014

Population trend: Decreasing

Other names: None

Priority Species? Yes

The Australian government's Threatened Species Action Plan 2022-2032 selected over 100 priority species derive from consultation with threatened species experts and the wider community. While all species are important, focusing on a limited number of species can help target effort and resources so that outcomes can be achieved, measured and shared.

Description

Leadbeater's Possum is a small, nocturnal, arboreal (tree living) possum and is endemic to Victoria and is the state's animal emblem. They live in small groups up to 12 individuals with one breeding pair, and shelter in tree hollows during the day. They feed on carbohydrate-rich plant and insect secretions (e.g. sap) and invertebrates.

Threats

Tree hollows are a critical resource for the Leadbeater's Possum and do not occur on burned sites, including those subject to low and moderate severity fires, clear-fell logged or regenerated forest where hollow-bearing trees are largely absent. Therefore, the main threat is the collapse of hollow-bearing trees and competition with other species over the remaining hollows, land clearing, logging and extensive wildfires.