Eastern Pygmy-Possum Detection Report – 307-503-0003 'Flow Zone'
VicForests' scheduled logging coupe 307-503-0003 was investigated to assess the presence of wildlife within or adjacent to State Forest scheduled for logging. Eastern Pygmy-Possum was identified during this investigation. With only four records (Victorian Biodiversity Atlas, 2017) of Eastern Pygmy-Possum within the Toolangi State Forest (last 29 years), this individual is a rare and significant sighting to this area of state forest. The Eastern Pygmy-Possum relies on den-trees and nectar producing plants, resources which completely vanish after the clear-felling process. Although the Eastern Pygmy-Possum is not listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, it’s a species which is extremely patchy across its distribution and found in low numbers. The species is listed as vulnerable to extinction in both of Victoria’s neighboring states (South Australia & New South Wales).
We encourage the Department to take action and protect this Eastern Pygmy-Possum from the effects of clear-fell logging by;
Submitting this record to the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas
Establishing a Special Protection Zone (SPZ) around this record and any other rare records in the future.
This investigation concludes that VicForests, within coupe 307-503-0003 has scheduled logging in an area of forest currently inhabited by the Eastern Pygmy-Possum.