The Leadbeater Possum was named Victoria’s state fauna in 1971.  Yet despite this status the Leadbeater possum exists in a state of extinction. This episode Earth Matters investigates the combination of Fires, Logging and State inaction that threaten Victoria’s “Forest Fairy” possum. Guests include Professor David Lindenmayer and President of Friends of the Leadbeater Possum, Steve Meacher.

Resources references in todays show:

Lidenmayer, 2017 report, “Improving the design of a conservation reserve for a ctitically endangered species” (ANU article)
Meacher, 2014 article “What was the real purpose of LPAG”
Meacher, Wilderness society, 2019 paper “Abandoned: Australia’s forest wildlife in crisis”

Image: 25g juvenile male Leadbeaters Possum (photo: Emma Campbell)

Earth Matters #1348 was produced by Eiddwen Jeffery