Western pygmy possum (Cercartetus concinnus) - endangered species listing

The Scientific Committee, established by the Threatened Species Conservation Act, has made a Final Determination to list Cercartetus concinnus (Gould, 1845), the Western Pygmy Possum as an ENDANGERED SPECIES on Part 1 of Schedule 1 of that Act.

NSW Scientific Committee - final determination

The Scientific Committee has found that:

1. Western Pygmy Possum Cercartetus concinnus is an extremely small possum, fawn or reddish brown above, white below.

2. Western Pygmy Possum Cercartetus concinnus was not previously known to have existed in NSW.

3. A single young male has recently been trapped in south western NSW. This indicates the possibility of an actively breeding group in the area. An older specimen (from 1958), collected in the same general area, has been located in the National Museum of Victoria.

4. The size and extent of the current NSW population is unknown. The Western Pygmy Possum was found in habitat that is threatened by clearing for cropping, inappropriate fire regimes and contains introduced predators.

5. In view of 2, 3 & 4 above the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that the Western Pygmy Possum Cercartetus concinnus is likely to become extinct in nature in NSW unless the circumstances and factors threatening it survival cease to operate.

Associate Professor Paul Adam
Deputy Chairperson
Scientific Committee

A Determination to provisionally list this species as an endangered species was gazetted on: 30/8/96.
Gazetted: 8/8/97