Why do we need mountain pygmy possums?
They’re important pollinators of these plants. When flowers are scarce they also eat fruit, seeds and insects. During the day they shelter in tree hollows, holes in the ground, and in the nests of ringtail possums.
Why has the Mountain Pygmy-possum become critically endangered?
The Mountain Pygmy-possum is threatened in NSW by the loss, degradation and fragmentation of habitat. Two of the four main sub-populations are located within ski resort areas. Past management practices by the resorts have led to direct loss of habitat and alteration of vegetation.
How are possums affected by global warming?
New research from Australia’s Wet Tropics indicates that the area where maximum temperatures are survivable for the green ringtail possum (Pseudochirops archeri) could shrink by over 85 percent this century due to climate change. …
Why are mountain pygmy possums endangered for kids?
Main threat is loss of habitat, which has been developed for skiing. Hibernates in winter. They spend days at a time in torpor in winter. Mountain pygmy-possum are classified as Critically Endangered.
How can we save pygmy possum?
Scientists have come up with a radical plan to save the critically endangered mountain pygmy-possum: take some from their alpine habitat and introduce them to a warmer, lowland rainforest environment.
Why is global warming a threat to pygmy possums?
Another problem creeping up on the possums (as well as the skiers) is climate change, which freezes some possums in their hibernating burrows as reduced snow cover from warming increases the animals’ exposure to icy winter winds.
How can we save pygmy-possum?
What animals eat mountain pygmy possums?
Climate change, the loss of habitat and predators, mainly feral cats and foxes, are all severe threats to the Mountain Pygmy-possum. An emerging threat is the reduction in the possum’s key food source over spring, the Bogong Moth.
