Rare Possums Found 10/8/11

Rare Possums Found

Scientists have found the only known population of scaly tailed possums in the east Kimberley almost 100 years since the last reported sighting in the area. Researchers led by Monash University ecologist Sean Doody were using infrared cameras to look for northern quolls as part of cane toad research when they snapped the possums at Emma Gorge, near Kununurra. The small marsupials, which live on steep rocky escarpments, were previously thought to be found only in pockets of the north-west Kimberley. The find extends their range several hundred kilometres. Dr Doody said the last reported sighting in the east Kimberley was in 1919 near Warmun. The find was exciting, especially with mammal populations declining across tropical Australia. *WA news