Smallest Possum May Live on Yorke Peninsula, New Study Says

Scientists think the smallest possum, the Little Pygmy-Possum, might be living on Yorke Peninsula in South Australia. Old records may have mistaken them for another type of possum. This could mean changes are needed to protect their homes.
By Newsroom | Wildlife, South Australia |

Recent research suggests the world's smallest possum, the Little Pygmy-Possum (Cercartetus lepidus), might be living on South Australia's Yorke Peninsula. This potential discovery, detailed in a study published in Australian Zoologist, could mean a significant range extension for a species previously thought to be found only in Tasmania, western Victoria, and parts of South Australia, including Kangaroo Island. If confirmed, this finding would necessitate a reassessment of the possum's conservation status and habitat management strategies.

Could the world's smallest possum be living on the Yorke Peninsula? - 1

New Evidence Suggests Range Expansion

For decades, the possibility of the Little Pygmy-Possum inhabiting the Yorke Peninsula has been unconfirmed. Researchers recently examined old evidence and found compelling signs that this tiny marsupial may indeed reside in Dhilba Guuranda–Innes National Park. This area is over 200 kilometers west of its closest known population on Kangaroo Island. No direct evidence, such as living animals or recent remains, had previously been recorded on the peninsula.

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  • The key to this potential identification lies in distinct physical characteristics.

  • Little Pygmy-Possums possess gray ventral fur, a notable difference from the white ventral fur of the Western Pygmy-Possum.

  • The species are also distinguished by weight, with the Little Pygmy-Possum weighing between seven and ten grams, and the Western Pygmy-Possum averaging 13-14 grams.

Re-evaluation of Past Collections

A re-examination of older specimens has provided the compelling evidence supporting the presence of the Little Pygmy-Possum on the Yorke Peninsula. A study, based on unearthed evidence, indicates that possums previously collected in Dhilba Guuranda–Innes National Park may have been misidentified. Researchers suggest that the animals, now believed to be Little Pygmy-Possums, were likely mistaken for juvenile Western Pygmy-Possums. This misclassification may have occurred because the existence of a new species in the area was not anticipated.

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  • The original research identified specific pitfall lines (Lines 2 and 13) within the park as the likely locations for these captures.

  • The exact timing of these captures is unknown, but the data points to specific areas where the individuals could have been found.

  • The study highlights that northern parts of South Australia are not included in the data because no records exist for those regions.

Conservation Concerns Emerge

The potential discovery of a Little Pygmy-Possum population on the Yorke Peninsula immediately raises concerns about habitat management, particularly regarding prescribed burning practices. This species is described as sensitive to disturbances in its vegetation.

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  • Dr. [Expert Name, if available, otherwise refer to the study's authors] has recommended a review of prescribed burning schedules in Dhilba Guuranda–Innes National Park.

  • Ongoing prescribed burning could pose a threat to the habitat of this newly suspected population.

  • Further field surveys are planned with the hope of confirming the survival of Little Pygmy-Possums in the park.

Expert Analysis

Dr. Sarah Petit, a researcher involved in the study, has indicated the significance of the findings. The team's belief that they had previously mislabeled these possums underscores the importance of rigorous re-examination of scientific data. Petit's call for reassessment of burning programs signals a potential conflict between land management practices and the conservation needs of this rare marsupial.

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  • The identification of distinct fur coloration (gray versus white ventral fur) is a critical diagnostic feature.

  • The small size difference between the two pygmy possum species requires careful observation and potentially genetic analysis for definitive identification.

Implications and Future Steps

The possibility of the Little Pygmy-Possum inhabiting the Yorke Peninsula could redefine our understanding of its distribution and ecological needs. This finding necessitates careful consideration for its conservation.

  • Authorities are urged to urgently reassess prescribed burning programs within Dhilba Guuranda–Innes National Park.

  • Targeted field surveys are crucial to confirm the presence and extent of this population.

  • The study opens avenues for further research into the species' dispersal mechanisms and habitat requirements.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Little Pygmy-Possum?
It is the world's smallest possum. It is very small, weighing only about 7 to 10 grams. It has gray fur on its belly.
Q: Where did scientists think it lived before?
They thought it lived only in Tasmania, parts of Victoria, and Kangaroo Island. This new idea places it much further away on Yorke Peninsula.
Q: How did scientists find this out?
They looked again at old animal samples from Yorke Peninsula. They think some were called the wrong name and were actually Little Pygmy-Possums.
Q: Why is this discovery important?
If the possum is there, its home needs to be protected. This might mean changing how fires are managed in the area.