Mountain Pygmy-possum
Burramys parvus
Australia's Threatened Species Category
Endangered
Listed since: 1/02/2018
IUCN's Threatened Species Category
Critically Endangered
Listed since: 30/06/2008
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
The Mountain Pygmy-possum is endemic to alpine, sub-alpine and montane areas of mainland south-eastern Australia and occurs in three separate regions: Kosciuszko National Park (New South Wales), Mt Buller (Victoria), and Mt Bogong / Mt Higginbotham (Victoria). The mountain pygmy-possum is a specialised mountain species, with an ecology linked to the highly seasonal environment. It is nocturnal and terrestrial.
Threats
The Mountain Pygmy-possum has been impacted by the loss, fragmentation and degradation of it�s habitat, climate change and frequent, intense bushfires and predation by foxes and feral cats, as well as a decline if Bogong Moths which are their primary food source.
Useful links for more detailed information on this species
DCCEEW - Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
SPRAT - DCCEEW Species Profile and Threats Database