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.
Kangaroo Island Land for Wildlife, an Australian conservation organization, discovered the small mammal earlier this week while performing field study.
Kangaroo Island Land for Wildlife is striving to recover from the summer wildfires, both partially and completely.
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 of the issues caused by the fires at the conclusion of last year and the start of this year, this great news is a beacon of hope. According to Pat Hodgens, a wildlife scientist, the rediscovery was unexpected because there have only been 113 documented recordings of this opossum owing to its size.
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 bibrons toad, a southern brown peramelid, and a Tammar wallaby.
Kangaroo Island Land for Wildlife will continue to perform research in order to identify new species and conserve them so that they can live in their natural habitat.
Pat continued, saying:
“It’s critical right now because it’s the final refuge for a lot of these species that rely on really ancient, lengthy, unburned foliage.”
Although the finding of this small mammal is exciting, many species, such as the local swamp rat, have yet to be discovered.
“We don’t know much about that species because it’s scarce on the island and particularly prone to flames.”