At the start of the year, devastating wildfires obliterated the Australian countryside engulfing almost half the country. They were the worst fires the country had seen in at least 100 years and are thought to have killed or displaced as many as 3 billion animals. While they were headline news at the time their impact was largely brushed aside by the global pandemic.
Sadly, the number of wild animals in Australia has now significantly declined as many were not only killed by the fires themselves but had their natural habitats completely ruined. With a dwindling food supply, and a fractured eco-system, the future currently looks grim.
The 'Kangaroo Island Land for Wildlife' nature reserve was one place among many that was hit by the fires. Since the fires occurred one of their most beloved resident species, the Pygmy Possum, had not been seen at all and it was feared that they had been wiped out. That was until just recently when a few of the tiny little creatures were once again found.
The critters weigh just around 7 grams and are around 10cm long. They are regarded as the world’s smallest possum. Needless to say, the conservationists were delighted to find them.
Pat Hodgens, who works with the reserve, said of the find:
"There's only really been 113 formal records of the species [ever on Kangaroo Island]. So certainly not very common and, obviously, the summer bushfires burnt through much of that habitat that species had, but we were certainly hopeful that we would find them."
He added how important it is to protect the species and its habitat:
"It's very important now because it is kind of like the last refuge for a lot of these species that really rely on very old long, unburned vegetation."
It is hoped that the rare and unique wildlife and habitats of Australia can now continue their recovery and that future wildfires on such a scale can be avoided. Thereby preserving the unique wildlife.
As you can see form the pictures, the Pygmy Possum may be tiny in stature, but it is most certainly adorable.
A Pygmy possum species, yet to determine if it’s a Little Pygmy or a more common Western Pygmy, we will analyse the molar photos to positively identify
Posted by Kangaroo Island Land for Wildlife on Wednesday, 28 October 2020
Little pygmy possum
Posted by Kangaroo Island Land for Wildlife on Friday, 4 December 2020
Left Western pygmy possum, right Little pygmy possum
Posted by Kangaroo Island Land for Wildlife on Friday, 4 December 2020
Little pygmy possum
Posted by Kangaroo Island Land for Wildlife on Friday, 4 December 2020
Little pygmy possum
Posted by Kangaroo Island Land for Wildlife on Friday, 4 December 2020
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