The final female among a group of wild Mountain Pygmy-possums brought to Healesville Sanctuary five years ago has given birth to a healthy litter of young, marking a significant milestone for the captive breeding program for this Critically Endangered species.
Pod, who is named after the Podocarpus Plum Pine found in the alpine region where the species lives, was one of 10 wild possums collected from Mount Loch in 2017 for the captive breeding program, which has provided invaluable knowledge and contributed to the genetic diversity of the program.
Pod’s three joeys – two males and a female – were born in a purpose-built facility for the Mountain Pygmy-possum within the Threatened Species Precinct at the Sanctuary. The three joeys make 21 babies from the group of wild females.
Zoos Victoria Reproductive Biologist Dr Marissa Parrott said, prior to the breeding program starting in 2006, it was unknown if it was possible to reliably breed wild possums.
“Over the past 16 years, our knowledge of breeding and caring for this species has grown exponentially,” Dr Parrott said.
“Our research has been focussed on ensuring we have the knowledge, facilities and capabilities to assist conservation and respond in an emergency, and Pod and her three babies are an important piece in that puzzle.
“These joeys will help increase the genetic diversity of the population, which is extremely important for general health, but also the success of the program into the future.”
Dr Parrott said the joeys are very adventurous and inquisitive at night. Infrared possum cameras often show the siblings exploring, engaging with enrichment items, or foraging.
Their favourite food is Bogong Bikkies, (a nutritionally suitable food developed to replicate the Bogong Moths that the species eats), as well as mealworms. While peas are their least favourite.
The joey trio will remain at the Sanctuary as part of a breeding and research population for the species. As they mature, they will join the breeding program’s other possums in social groupings. Since the beginning of the breeding program in 2006, Healesville Sanctuary has successfully bred and raised 123 offspring.
Mountain Pygmy-possums were thought to be extinct until being rediscovered at Mount Hotham in the 1960s. This marsupial is listed as Critically Endangered. It is believed fewer than 2,000 are left in the wild.
Zoos Victoria’s breeding and conservation work is made possible thanks to the generous support of donors including the Dyson Bequest and multiple partners including the Mountain Pygmy-possum State Recovery Team, which includes The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Parks Victoria, Mt Hotham Alpine Resort Management Board, Mt Buller Mt Stirling Resort Management Board, Falls Creek Alpine Resort Management Board, The University of Melbourne, La Trobe University, Ecology Links, CESAR, Goulburn Broken CMA, North East CMA and Zoos Victoria.
