This year has seen a number of events that have directly impacted living beings, but arguably the most welcome news in these times is the rediscovery of the small pygmy possum in Australia.
This uncommon species has not been spotted since before the nation was decimated by devastating wildfires, so it’s quite a surprise.
It was assumed that the cute animals had been killed off by the ferocious flames of the fires, but it was discovered again almost a year later.
The pygmy possum has been rediscovered in Australia.
Australian conservation group Kangaroo Island Land for Wildlife found the tiny animal earlier this week while conducting field research.
Kangaroo Island Land for Wildlife is working towards a partial and full recovery from the wildfires that occurred in the summer.
The massive flames are believed to have impacted over 211,000 hectares, and many kinds of animals have suffered as a result. Kangaroo Island’s western tip, as well as the adjoining Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area and Kelly Hill Conservation Park, were the most damaged.
Despite all the problems caused by the fires at the end of last year and the beginning of this year, this incredible news is a light of hope. According to Pat Hodgens, wildlife ecologist, the rediscovery was unexpected, because due to its size there have only been 113 formal records of this opossum.
Pat stated to ABC:
“So it’s certainly not common, and obviously the summer bushfires burned off a lot of the species’ habitat, but we were hopeful of seeing them again.”
Because this kind of possum weighs only seven grams, sightings are extremely unusual, even for researchers.
The world’s tiniest possum may be found in sections of Tasmania, mainland South Australia, and Victoria, as well as on Kangaroo Island.
Aside from this astounding and incredible finding, the conservation organization has also managed to locate more than 20 distinct kinds of wildlife. Among these are the finds of a biberon toad, a southern brown peramelid, and a Tammar wallaby.
Kangaroo Island Land for Wildlife will continue to conduct studies to try to discover new species and ensure their protection to ensure they survive in their habitat.
Pat added:
“It’s very important now because it’s like the last refuge for a lot of these species that really depend on very old, long, unburned vegetation.”
Although the discovery of this little animal is good news, there are still many species that have not been detected, such as the native swamp rat.
Pat remarked:
“We don’t know much about that species because it’s scarce on the island and particularly prone to flames.”
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