Record-breaking rescue effort - help is on the way to save rare alpine possums. In October last year, Australian Geographic joined forces with the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife to launch Australian Geo's biggest fundraising campaign yet (AG 100). Together, we raised more than $100,000, which will go towards saving one of Australia's most threatened mammals, the Mountain Pygmy-Possum.
The possum is Australia's only alpine marsupial, and at present it is confined toareas higher than 1200m above sea level in the alpine regions of NSW and Victoria.
The species is at risk of habitat loss, particularly in the face of environmental changes such as global warming. Periodsof thin snow cover and early snow melt not only decrease its habitat, but also upset the possum's hibernation.
"The money will help set up a new captive-breeding facility at Lithgow, in NSW," says Susanna Bradshaw, acting CEO of the Foundation. Building the facility, which is at Secret Creek Sanctuary, will begin next year, and once up and running will help secure the species' survival. "Our aim is to provide a safety net for the species in case there are short-term disasters in the alpine area," she says.
The project has an ambitious long-term goal. "We're looking to breed up a population, to be released into lowland, cool temperate rainforests." Fossil records for the species indicate that in the past its relatives survived in such ecosystems.
"Thanks to Australian Geographic, we've been able to really push the awarenessof the possum's plight," she says. The foundation will continue the fundraising campaign, aiming to raise a total of $700,000. To donate online, visit www.fnpw.org.au/make-a-donation.
