Western Ringtail Possum
Pseudocheirus occidentalis
Australia's Threatened Species Category
Critically Endangered
Listed since: 11/05/2018
IUCN's Threatened Species Category
Critically Endangered
Listed since: 9/03/2014
Population trend: Decreasing
Other names: Ngwayir, Womp, Woder, Ngoor, Ngoolangit
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 Western Ringtail Possum is a folivorous (leaf eating herbivore) marsupial endemic to south-western Australia. They are small with a slender prehensile tail with a white tip.
Threats
Habitat loss and fragmentation from urban development is considered the most immediate threatening process. Other populations away from coastal human populations face predation from introduced predators, climate change, timber harvesting and fire.
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