Pygmy possum
by Otto and James
Description
The average adult Pygmy Possum weighs 40 grams; 30 grams in Spring and 80 grams in Autumn. It also has grey and white fur. It is 10cm long.
Distribution
The Mountain Pygmy Possum lives on the highest mountains of Victoria and in the alpine regions of NSW including the Kosciuszco National Park.
Habitat and Ecology
The pygmy possum lives on the ground in rocky areas where boulders are. The pygmy possum mainly eats beetles, spiders and millipedes. It has four babies each spring.
Threats
The pygmy possum's threats are feral cats and red foxes. Also, the mountain pygmy possum may be mistaken as vermin (rats and mice) and killed.
Recovery Strategies
We need to control foxes and feral cats in Pigmy Possum habitat. Also, do not use rat traps or poisons in buildings in areas of the Pigmy Possum's habitat.
Mammals of the World: Mountain Pygmy Possum
Photos are from Wikimedia Commons.
Information is from http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedspecies/