Leadbeater's Possum Detection Report – 286-505-0029 'Onyx'
This report details the methodology, results and conclusion of the detection of three critically endangered Leadbeater Possums (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri) recorded within VicForests scheduled logging coupe 286-505-0029 ‘Onyx’ along the Blue Range, Rubicon State Forest. Upon cross-referencing the data from the Victorian Governments ‘Forest Protection Survey Program’ and ‘Leadbeater’s Possum Interactive Map’, we can see that these detections of the Leadbeater Possums detailed within this report are the first detections along the Blue Range for 2019 and are only the second ever confirmed population across the northern section of the Blue Range. At the submission of this report, roading operations are currently being undertaken along Parks Road in preparation for the clearing of the forest within coupe 286-505-0029.
We conclude that the area surrounding this new population of Leadbeater’s Possum is of high significance to the ongoing survival of the species along the Blue Range and thus, the area must be protected from logging operations by removing VicForests coupe 286-505-0029 from the current Timber Release Plan.