Possum species thought extinct in NSW found in Kosciuszko National Park

The NSW Government’s threatened species team has discovered a Leadbeater’s Possum in Kosciuszko National Park. The species was long believed to be extinct in NSW. The identification was confirmed by Healesville Sanctuary and the Australian National University.

Until now, records show this species has only been detected alive in Victoria, with the nearest recorded sighting in the past century around 250 kilometres away from this find in NSW.

The possum is the mammal emblem of Victoria and is listed as a critically endangered species under Commonwealth and Victorian law. In NSW, it was previously known only from bones, believed to be up to 200 years old, that were discovered in caves near the recent detection site.

A Leadbeater’s Possum has now been spotted in seven photos taken over a 10-second period while threatened species officers from the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water were reviewing almost a million images from ground-based wildlife cameras set up to survey for the critically endangered smoky mouse at Yarrangobilly.

Leadbeater’s Possums weigh approximately 125g. They live mostly in wet eucalypt forests in tree hollows as breeding pairs and family groups, meaning this individual must belong to a previously unknown population.

Images from past surveys across Kosciuszko National Park are now being reviewed for any further evidence of the species. Cameras will be deployed across mountain forests in the park, using methods developed in Victoria, to learn more about the species and inform a conservation program.

Threatened species experts are determining the habitat location, size and extent of the population, which will help inform next steps and a conservation program for the species.

The Victorian Government will lend its expertise with the species.

The NSW Government has also commenced the process for an expedited conservation listing of the species through the independent NSW Threatened Species Scientific Committee.

NSW Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe noted “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 and demonstrates that NSW Government threatened species officers are doing some of the most incredible work. I congratulate them on this discovery.

Victorian Minister for Environment, Steve Dimopoulos added “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.

“Congratulations to our NSW Government colleagues for this rare, once in a lifetime discovery.”

Image top. Leadbeaters possum in Kosciuszko National Park.  Credit: DCCEEW; image centre: Leadbeaters Possum in Victoria Credit: Dan Harley/Healesville Sanctuary; image below:Leadbeaters possum in Victoria. Credit: Zoos Victoria.