Researchers are investigating whether the world’s smallest possum could be living on the Yorke Peninsula, following new research that suggests the threatened Little Pygmy‑Possum may exist in Dhilba Guuranda–Innes National Park.
The finding comes from a review of historic wildlife survey photographs, taken between 2004 and 2011, which identified two animals that appeared different from the closely related Western Pygmy‑Possum.
If confirmed, the discovery would represent a previously unknown relict population, located more than 200 kilometres from the species’ nearest known population.
Scientists say further surveys are urgently needed to determine whether the Little Pygmy‑Possum has survived in the area, and are calling for a precautionary approach to land management while investigations continue.
The research has been published in the journal Australian Zoologist.
