Daily Animal news

Best daily news ~ Animals related!

After Surviving Horrific Wildfires In Australia, A Rare Little Pygmy Possum Was Discovered Safe

People on Kangaroo Island, Australia, will never forget the devastating bushfires that burnt nearly half of the island last summer. There has been some good news lately thanks to the efforts of a conservation organization, who toured the island and identified an endangered species: the small pygmy possum.

Credit: Ashlee Benc | KI Land for Wildlife

During a wildlife assessment of the unburned woodland, the team from Kangaroo Island Land for Wildlife discovered this little survivor and were amazed. As a result, it’s difficult to imagine how that young pygmy possum survived such a catastrophic tragedy. In addition, these little creatures were rarely spotted on the island prior to the wildfires, which were allegedly sparked by lightning striking a park.

Credit: Ashlee Benc | KI Land for Wildlife

“Before the 2020 bushfires on Kangaroo Island, the status of the small pygmy possum (Cercartetus lepidus) was uncertain. The species has been discovered for the first time since the fires in the largest unburnt region, and we are delighted,” wildlife biologist Pat Hodgens wrote about the incredible rediscovery on his Twitter.

Credit: Ashlee Benc | KI Land for Wildlife

The little pygmy possum they discovered was even smaller than a Western pygmy possum, as you can see in the photo above.  It was barely 0.25 oz (7 g). “Only 113 official recordings of the species have been found” (ever on Kangaroo Island). So they’re not very common, and the bushfires have burned down a lot of the habitat that species had, but we were hoping that we’d locate them,” Pat Hodgens said in an interview with the ABC.

Credit: Ashlee Benc | KI Land for Wildlife

Research to find and conserve all the animals that have survived on the 1,701-square mile island turned up the pygmy possum. Over 20 additional animal species, such as a bibrons toadlet, a southern brown bandicoot, and a tammar wallaby, have been discovered alive as a result of their steadfast efforts.

Credit: Ashlee Benc | KI Land for Wildlife

I promise we’ll do all in our power to keep kids safe and secure at this crucial period,” Pat Hodgens added. Because it’s the final refuge for many species that are dependent on extremely ancient, lengthy, unburned foliage, it’s crucial right now.