Threatened Strategy – Year 3 Priority Species Scorecard (2018)

Mountain Pygmy-possum parvus

Key Findings Mountain Pygmy-possums are endemic to the alpine regions of and . Populations have declined due to predation by feral cats and red foxes, habitat changes and loss, changing climatic conditions, altered fire regimes, and probable reduction in a main food source (Bogong ). Most of these threats are being managed to some extent and the overall population currently appears generally stable, however impacts of limited genetic diversity and will increase in future decades. Photo: Linda Broome Significant trajectory change from 2005-15 to 2015-18? No significant change.

Priority future actions • Ongoing and enhanced management of introduced predators, herbivores and wildfire • Habitat augmentation and improvement of connectivity at selected sites • Ongoing regulation and management to reduce habitat degradation in occupied sites

Full assessment information Background information 2018 population trajectory assessment

1. and 8. Expert elicitation for population trends 2. Conservation history and prospects 9. Immediate priorities from 2019 3. Past and current trends 10. Contributors 4. Key threats 11. Legislative documents 5. Past and current management 12. References 6. Support from the Australian Government 13. Citation 7. Measuring progress towards conservation

The primary purpose of this scorecard is to assess progress against achieving the year three targets outlined in the Australian Government’s Threatened Species Strategy, including estimating the change in population trajectory of 20 species. It has been prepared by experts from the National Environmental Science Program’s Threatened Species Recovery Hub, with input from a number of taxon experts, a range of stakeholders and staff from the Office of the Threatened Species Commissioner, for the information of the Australian Government and is non-statutory. It has been informed by statutory planning documents that guide recovery of the species, such as Recovery Plans and/or Conservation Advices (see Section 11). The descriptive information in this scorecard is informed by the relevant Recovery Plans (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2002; Biosis Pty Ltd 2013; Department of Environment Land Water and Planning 2016), Conservation Advice and Action Statement (Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment 2013), with additional advice provided by contributing experts based on new information.

The background information aims to provide context for estimation of progress in research and management (Section 7) and estimation of population size and trajectories (Section 8).

1 Information current to December 2018 Threatened Species Strategy – Year 3 Priority Species Scorecard (2018)

1. Conservation status and taxonomy

Conservation status 2018 Taxonomy: No subspecies are recognised, but populations at the IUCN Critically Endangered three known locations are genetically distinct, and considered to be Evolutionary Significant Units. EPBC Endangered

NSW Endangered

VIC Threatened

2. Conservation history and prospects The Mountain Pygmy-possum has been subject to a high profile conservation effort since it was first found as a living in 1966, having previously been known only from fossil material. That fossil evidence demonstrates that it was formerly much more widely distributed.

Although much of its range lies within national parks, much also occurs in areas used as ski resorts, and part of the conservation concern for the species arises from development and management in such areas. However it also faces a complex cocktail of many other threats including: predation by feral cats and red foxes; habitat degradation due to browsing, grazing and/or trampling by cattle, horses, deer and rabbits; episodic fire; weed invasion and competition from introduced species; habitat changes arising from current and projected climate change; and loss of genetic diversity. Most of these threats are being managed to some extent with notable successes for some threats; however other threats are not being effectively managed in at least some sites, and the impacts of climate change may be extremely challenging to circumvent.

3. Past and current trends Collection of population and habitat data has occurred continuously over 30 years (since 1981 in Victoria and 1986 in NSW) and provides a robust evidence base on population status and trends of the Mountain Pygmy-possum.

Monitoring (existing programs): The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage implement ongoing monitoring of Mountain Pygmy- possum populations (as well as other factors likely to affect populations) in (KNP). Monitoring regimes include:

• Camera trapping of cats and foxes at three sites in south KNP and three sites in north KNP (2010- present, as part of the Saving our Species program) • Monitoring of Mountain Pygmy-possum population size and genetics at five sites in south KNP (1987-present, including National Parks and Wildlife Services resorts fund, in-kind staff and volunteer time)

2 Information current to December 2018 Threatened Species Strategy – Year 3 Priority Species Scorecard (2018)

• Monitoring of Mountain Pygmy-possum population size and genetics at three sites in north KNP (2010-present, NPWS and OEH) • Monitoring of Bogong relative abundance at two sites in south KNP and 2 sites in north KNP (1987-present, OEH and staff in-kind time) • Monitoring of snow duration at five sites in south KNP and 3 sites in north KNP (2010-present, OEH and in-kind staff time)

Likewise, there is intensive and long-lasting monitoring of Mountain Pygmy-possums undertaken in Victoria by a range of institutions, with some monitoring explicitly targeting and reporting on responses to management actions (Weeks et al. 2017). Currently, annual monitoring occurs at Mt Buller, Mt Hotham and Mt Loch by Zoos Victoria for survey (and genetic work at Mt Loch), and a range of locations in the .

Population trends: Tables 1 and 2 summarise the overall trend and status of the Mountain Pygmy-possum. The information provided in these tables is derived from the 2018 conservation advice, with additional advice provided by contributing experts based on new information.

3 Information current to December 2018 Threatened Species Strategy – Year 3 Priority Species Scorecard (2018)

Table 1. Summary of the available information on Mountain Pygmy-possum distribution and population size, and (where possible) trend estimates between 2015 and 2018 for each parameter.

Population Published 2015 Estimate 2018 Estimate Confidence in estimates parameters baseline

WILD* 6474 km2 Extent of High. No significant change in areal extent (from 2018 6474 km2 6474 km2 Occurrence conservation of subpopulations advice) Area of High. No significant change in areal extent 148 km2 148 km2 148 km2 Occupancy of subpopulations Dates of records and methods From 2018 conservation advice: based on IUCN method of 2 km x 2 km cells used Variable; (i) KNP figures from L. Broome (pers. comm.) of 950 (in 2012) and 1015 (in 2405 in 2010 2245 2017); (ii) Buller figures >150 (2018 No. mature (National conservation advice), and estimated from 2600 (Draft Action individuals Recovery Plan Statement Weeks et al. (2017); (iii) Bogong region 2016). 2018) <1500 (2018 conservation advice). (nb these values are for total popn rather than nos. of mature individuals) High. Although at least one new subpopn No. of was discovered in 2010, that does not ~10 ~10 ~10 subpopulations represent an actual increase in nos. of subpopulations – simply better information as above; ‘locations’ may have various No. of locations 3 3 3 connotations Generation time 3-4 n/a n/a Medium-High (as per MAP) High. Change in focus from breeding and release to research and advocacy means No. mature 59 (mean 2006- 85 50 fewer possums will be held in captivity, individuals 2018) unless emergency response is requested by Recovery Team No. locations 1 1 1 High *Including translocations

4 Information current to December 2018 Threatened Species Strategy – Year 3 Priority Species Scorecard (2018)

Table 2. Estimated recent (2005-2015) and current (2015-2018) population trends for the Mountain Pygmy-possum. 2005- Confidence 2015- Confidence Est. % in in of total Location 2015 2018 Details 2005-2015 2015-2018 pop’n trend trend trend trend (2018)

Kosciuszko National High High 45 Park

Declines 1996-2007, followed by increase, Weeks et al. 2017 (i.e. overal stable trend) Mt Buller High Medium 5 Weeks et al. (2017) give estimated

popn as ca. 140 individuals in 2015 for an area that supported ‘70-96%’ of the Mt Buller population The number of possums estimated in the High Plains in 2010 was 1680 (Recovery Plan 2016), but in 2018 was 1030 (Draft Action Statement 2018)

From 2018 Conservation Advice: ‘only one of the five local Bogong High Plains populations in the Mt Bogong – Mt (including Mt Higginbotham area has not declined n/a High 50 Bogong, Mt ? (Mt Little Higginbotham which has Hotham, Mt Loch) increased by 13%). The other four have declined to various levels (Mt Loch 36%, Mt Higginbotham 40%, Mt McKay 92%, Timms Spur 21%) A loss of up to 80% of pouch young in some of these populations in 2017 may mean numbers are lower this year (L. Parrott pers comm.)

Variable trends across sites; and Whole population Low Low 100 subject to ongoing chronic threats and episodes of wildfire

KEY: Improving Stable Deteriorating Unknown Confidence Description High Trend documented Medium Trend considered likely based on documentation

? Low Trend suspected but evidence indirect or equivocal

5 Information current to December 2018 Threatened Species Strategy – Year 3 Priority Species Scorecard (2018)

4. Key threats The threats listed here are informed by the recovery plans, conservation advice and action statement, with additional advice provided by contributing experts. Note that this is not a list of all plausible threats, but a subset of the threats that are likely to have the largest impact on populations. Additional emerging threats include loss of pouch-young possibly due to an unreliable food resource (notably reduced abundance of Bogong Moths) during the breeding season, and competition for habitat resources by other native species e.g. Bush Rats (A. Moorrees, J. Alexander pers. comm.).

Habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation Much of the range of the Mountain Pygmy-possum is within or around ski resorts (~80% of the Victorian range and ~30% of the New South Wales range), where some habitat has been destroyed and much of the remaining habitat fragmented or degraded by resort development, roads, slope grooming (and use of exotic grasses for ski runs) and other associated activities. Given that there is some local-scale spatial and habitat segregation for male and female pygmy-possums, even local-scale developments may affect the breeding biology of this species. However, management responses at some ski resorts are mitigating the threat associated with developments (Biosis Pty Ltd 2013).

Inappropriate fire regimes (increased incidence and extent of wildfire) Severe fires reduce habitat quality, especially for the long-lived food plant Podocarpus lawrenceii – about 50% of its range at Mt Bogong and 20% at Mt Kosciuszko was burnt in bushfires in 2003, and fire impacts have also been substantial at Mt McKay. Episodes of severe and extensive fire are likely to recur, probably increasingly because of climate change.

Predation Predation by red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and feral cats (Felis catus) is a significant threat. Predation intensity may increase with global climate change, habitat fragmentation by roads and ski fields, or following extensive fire that reduces habitat cover for pygmy-possums

Decline in Bogong Moths and indirect poisoning Bogong Moths Agrotis infusa are the primary and generally most abundant food source for Mountain Pygmy-possums in . There has been some suggestion of presence in Bogong Moths, presumed to derive from contamination via pesticides in the lowland part of its dispersal range: however, recent evidence suggests this threat may be not substantial (L. Broome pers. comm.). The impact on Mountain Pygmy-possums is unknown. Threats to Bogong Moths include loss of native grassland habitat, use of agricultural chemicals in their breeding sites, , climate change, and artificial lighting which can interfere with their navigation. Some recent research suggests an ongoing decline in abundance may be contributing to significant loss in pygmy-possum litters (J. Alexander pers. comm.).

Erosion and sedimentation Degradation of boulderfield habitat can occur if soil and silt is deposited between/under rocks into nesting and hibernation spaces. This can occur due to erosion exacerbated by loss of vegetation cover and sediment movement from construction or mechanical disturbance (e.g. snow grooming).

6 Information current to December 2018 Threatened Species Strategy – Year 3 Priority Species Scorecard (2018)

Climate change The entire range of the Mountain Pygmy-possum is likely to be substantially affected by predicted rise in temperature, with likely impacts on hibernation cover, key physiological (hibernation) characteristics, predator abundance, abundance of key dietary items (notably Bogong Moths), and fire regimes. Snow depth and duration has shown a decreasing trend in the over the past 40 years, with more severe reductions and increasing early spring snow-melt predicted to occur by 2050-2070. Stable snow cover is critical for possums to maintain hibernation temperatures and survive .

Reduction in genetic diversity The Mt Buller population has been reported to “have experienced the most rapid loss of genetic diversity ever recorded in a mammal” (Mitrovski et al. 2007). However, genetic rescue has been successfully applied for this subpopulation (Weeks et al. 2017). Genetic rescue has been proven to the F4 generation without issue in the Zoos Victoria captive breeding program (M. Parrott pers. comm). Wild populations that are isolated, small and/or decreasing in size are at risk of inbreeding depression.

Weed Invasion Weeds affect the quality of Mountain Pygmy-possum habitat by out-competing preferred native species and reducing biodiversity. Main problem weeds in Victoria include willows (Salix spp.), Apple (Malus pumila) and Blackberry ( fruticosus). Climate change may increase potential for other exotic weed species to establish.

Introduced herbivores Currently, introduced grasses and clover sown along roads and on ski runs attract rabbits and hares, which have the potential to sustain predator populations. Rabbits and hares appear to have increased in abundance in some areas at higher altitudes and this may be in response to drought conditions or climate change. These also have grazing and erosion impacts in alpine and subalpine areas. Sambar (Cervus unicolor) are also emerging as a potential issue in some areas.

The impacts of the major threats are summarised in Table 3. Table 3. The major threats facing the Mountain Pygmy-possum and their associated impact scores. CURRENT THREAT IMPACT (Note that additional threats are listed above) Threat Timing Extent Severity 1. Habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation Continuing/ongoing 1-50% of range 30-49% (including from recreational use) 2. Increase in fire frequency/intensity Continuing/ongoing >90% of range 30-49%

3. Red foxes Continuing/ongoing >90% of range 30-49%

4. Feral cats Continuing/ongoing >90% of range 30-49%

5. Habitat shifting and alteration (climate change) Distant future >90% of range 50-100%

6. Reduction in genetic diversity Continuing/ongoing 1-50% Not negligible but <20%

7. Decline in Bogong Moths Continuing/ongoing >90% of range Not negligible but <20% Timing: continuing/ongoing; near future: any occurrence probable within one generation (includes former threat no longer causing impact but could readily recur); distant future: any occurrence likely to be further than one generation into the future (includes former threat no longer causing impact and unlikely to recur). Extent: <1% of range; 1-50%; 50-90%; >90%. Severity: (over three generations or 10 years, whichever is longer) Causing no decline; Negligible declines (<1%); Not negligible but <20%; 20-29%; 30-49%; 50-100%; Causing/could cause order of magnitude fluctuations.

7 Information current to December 2018 Threatened Species Strategy – Year 3 Priority Species Scorecard (2018)

5. Past and current management Recent and current management actions that support the conservation of the Mountain Pygmy- possum are summarised in Table 4. This information is a collation of material provided by contributing experts. Some of these are directed specifically towards the species, while others have broader objectives but are expected to benefit the Mountain Pygmy-possum. The table below also lists some research activities where these directly ground management in evidence, or help inform management priorities. A national Recovery Plan (2016) and Conservation Advice (2018) are in place, guiding recovery action (see Section 11). Table 4. Management actions that support the conservation of the Mountain Pygmy-possum.

Est. % Action Location Timing Contributors and partners pop’n

Cage trapping of feral cats Perisher, NPWS and contractor around ski resorts in Southern Charlotte Pass, KNP in winter and Soft-jaw 2010-2014 Thredbo and trapping during snow-free Whites River months

Cage trapping of feral cats Southern KNP - NPWS, ski resorts staff, contractor with around ski resorts in winter, Perisher, cat detection dog, OTSC (funding and Soft-jaw trapping of cats Charlotte Pass, 2015-2018 provided for 2015-2016), OEH (as part of and foxes during snow-free Thredbo and Saving our Species program) months Whites River

Northern KNP – Snow Ridge, Soft-jaw trapping of cats and Rough Creek, 2015-2018 As above foxes during snow-free months Happy Jacks Valley

Control rabbits and hares Charlotte Pass, Contractor, OEH (Saving our Species 2017-2018 around resort areas Perisher funds)

Alpine resorts (Mt Buller, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham), DELWP

Habitat reconstruction (e.g. For example, tunnel under Great Alpine boulderfield creation; ca. 2005 ~50% Victorian sites Road at Little Mt Higginbotham, revegetation) and onwards of Vic constructed in 2017/18; DELWP for enhancements to connectivity construction; Mt Hotham ARMB and Zoos Victoria contributions, DELWP for monitoring equipment

All Victorian Variously Funding annually delivered by alpine ~80% Predator control sites except Mt since late resorts (Mt Buller, Falls Creek, Mt of Vic Bogong 1990s Hotham), DELWP, Parks Victoria

8 Information current to December 2018 Threatened Species Strategy – Year 3 Priority Species Scorecard (2018)

Funding invested in animals from Hotham and Timms Spur to Buller; in kind contribution from Zoos Victoria; partners include Ecology Links (Dean Heinze), Cesar. Translocations as per translocation Strategy were undertaken, however translocation of juveniles did Mt Buller area not proceed due to unforeseen 2011 ~10% Genetic rescue subpopulation environmental concern. DELWP – onwards of Vic (s) Biodiversity On-Ground Action: Icon Species Funding

Crossing of possums from different ESUs to produce fertile offspring was first proven successful in captivity at , Zoos Victoria, in 2008, with possums to the F4 generation now raised without issue

2006-2013 captive breeding, reintroducti on and community Captive breeding, research, conservation reintroduction (in 2013), community Healesville awareness and advocacy, monitoring of Captive breeding and research Sanctuary, Zoos 2013 wild source populations. (Zoos Victoria Victoria onwards, research and provides annual funding for animal care, community staff costs, research, field monitoring). conservation . Emergency response available if required.

6. Actions undertaken or supported by the Australian Government resulting from inclusion in the Threatened Species Strategy The “Deploying dogs to detect feral cats and foxes” partnership project between the Australian Government and the NSW Government may benefit the Mountain Pygmy-possum by using a trained detection dog to track and cull feral cats and foxes in Kosciuszko National Park. A detection dog was trained in 2015 to detect feral cats, and a pest control officer is employed during the months to trap and cull the feral cats and foxes once found.

9 Information current to December 2018 Threatened Species Strategy – Year 3 Priority Species Scorecard (2018)

7. Measuring progress towards conservation Table 5. Progress towards management understanding and management implementation for each of the major threats affecting the Mountain Pygmy-possum in 2015 (i.e. timing of TSS implementation) and 2018, using the progress framework developed by Garnett et al. (2018) PROGRESS IN MANAGING THREATS

Threat Year Understanding of how to manage threat Extent to which threat being managed 5. Trial management is providing clear evidence that 4. Solutions are enabling achievement but only with 1. Habitat loss, 2015 it can deliver objectives continued conservation intervention fragmentation 5. Trial management is providing clear evidence that 4. Solutions are enabling achievement but only with and degradation 2018 it can deliver objectives continued conservation intervention 1. Research being undertaken or completed but 2. Work has been initiated to roll out solutions where 2. Increase in 2015 limited understanding on how to manage threat threat applies across the taxon’s range fire frequency/ 1. Research being undertaken or completed but 2. Work has been initiated to roll out solutions where intensity 2018 limited understanding on how to manage threat threat applies across the taxon’s range 3. Solutions being trialled but work only initiated 3. Solutions have been adopted but too early to 2015 recently demonstrate success 3. Red foxes 5. Trial management is providing clear evidence that 4. Solutions are enabling achievement but only with 2018 it can deliver objectives continued conservation intervention 3. Solutions being trialled but work only initiated 3. Solutions have been adopted but too early to 2015 recently demonstrate success 4. Feral cats 5. Trial management is providing clear evidence that it can deliver objectives (NSW) 4. Solutions are enabling achievement but only with 2018 1. Research being undertaken or completed but continued conservation intervention limited understanding on how to manage threat (Vic) 0. No knowledge and no research [at global scale, research clearly shows threat needs to be addressed 5. Habitat through reduction in GG emissions; but at local scale, shifting and 2015 0. No management no substantial research on mitigation measures for alteration species] (climate change) 2018 0. No knowledge and no research [as above] 0. No management 3. Solutions being trialled but work only initiated 3. Solutions have been adopted but too early to 2015 6. Loss of recently demonstrate success genetic diversity 5. Trial management is providing clear evidence that 4. Solutions are enabling achievement but only with 2018 it can deliver objectives continued conservation intervention 1. Research being undertaken or completed but 2015 0. No management limited understanding on how to manage threat 7. Decline in Bogong Moths 1. Research being undertaken or completed but 2018 0. No management limited understanding on how to manage threat

> Green shading indicates an improvement in our understanding or management of threats between years 2015 and 2018, while red shading indicates deterioration in our understanding or management of threats. KEY: Score Understanding of how to manage threat Extent to which threat is being managed 0 No knowledge and no research No management Research being undertaken or completed but limited understanding 1 Management limited to trials on how to manage threat Work has been initiated to roll out solutions where threat applies 2 Research has provided strong direction on how to manage threat across the taxon’s range 3 Solutions being trialled but work only initiated recently Solutions have been adopted but too early to demonstrate success Trial management under way but not yet clear evidence that it can Solutions are enabling achievement but only with continued 4 deliver objectives conservation intervention Trial management is providing clear evidence that it can deliver Good evidence available that solutions are enabling achievement with 5 objectives little or no conservation intervention Research complete and being applied OR ongoing research 6 The threat no longer needs management associated with adaptive management of threat

10 Information current to December 2018 Threatened Species Strategy – Year 3 Priority Species Scorecard (2018)

8. Expert elicitation for population trends An expert elicitation process was undertaken to assess population trends for the period 2005-2015 and post-2015 under the following management scenarios. Please note that differences between Management Scenarios 2 and 3 (Fig. 1) are difficult to attribute, as it can be difficult to determine whether actions undertaken after 2015 were influenced by the Threatened Species Strategy or were independent of it (see Summary Report for details of methods). Management Scenario 1 (red line): no conservation management undertaken since 2015, and no new actions implemented.

• Ongoing uncontrolled pressures from introduced predators, habitat loss and degradation (due to development, weeds and introduced herbivores) and no attempt made to redress ongoing decline in genetic diversity. Management Scenario 2 (blue line): continuation of existing conservation management (i.e. actions undertaken before implementation of the Threatened Species Strategy or independent of the Threatened Species Strategy).

• The number and impacts of introduced predators are reduced at most sites; genetic rescue results in increased genetic diversity and population size at the most genetically-impoverished subpopulation (Mt Buller); habitat manipulations results in some enhanced connectivity and recovery; introduced herbivores partly controlled at some sites; captive breeding population secured; husbandry established and emergency response available if Recovery Team suggests further captive intervention is required. Management Scenario 3 (green line): continuation of existing management, augmented by support mobilised by the Australian Government under the Threatened Species Strategy.

• As for 2, with more intensive and effective control of introduced predators, at least at some sites.

Overall estimated population trajectories subject to management scenarios considered The Mountain Pygmy-possum is currently being managed under Scenario 3 (green line).

11 Information current to December 2018 Threatened Species Strategy – Year 3 Priority Species Scorecard (2018)

Figure 1. Estimated relative percentage change in population under each of the management scenarios described above. Data derived from 7 expert assessments of Mountain Pygmy-possum expected response to management, using four-step elicitation and the IDEA protocol (Hemming et al. 2017), where experts are asked to provide best estimates, lowest and highest plausible estimates, and an associated level of confidence. The dashed line represents the baseline value (i.e. as at 2015, standardised to 100). Values above this line indicate a relative increase in population size, while values below this line indicate a relative decrease in population size. Shading indicates confidence bounds (i.e. the lowest and highest plausible estimates). NB: lower and upper bounds wider than what is shown in top graph.

Population size projections based on expert elicitation are extended here to 2025, 2035 and 2045 (i.e. 10, 20 and 30 years after the establishment of the Threatened Species Strategy) on the grounds that some priority conservation management actions may take many years to achieve substantial conservation outcomes. However, we note also that there will be greater uncertainty around estimates of population size into the more distant future because, for example, novel threats may affect the species, managers may develop new and more efficient conservation options, and the impacts of climate change may be challenging to predict.

12 Information current to December 2018 Threatened Species Strategy – Year 3 Priority Species Scorecard (2018)

Improved trajectory (Threatened Species Strategy Year 3 target): The primary purpose of this scorecard is to assess progress against achieving the year three targets outlined in the Australian Government’s Threatened Species Strategy, i.e. a demonstrated improved trajectory for at least half of the priority species (10 birds and 10 ). To assess this, we first use the expert-derived trend between 2005-15 (i.e. 10 years prior to implementation of the TSS) as a baseline for assessing whether there has been an improvement in trajectory in the time since implementation of the TSS (i.e. 2015-18). Table 6 below summarises this information, where negative values indicate a declining population, and positive values indicate an increasing population. We used Wilcoxon match-paired tests to compare trajectories for these two periods; a significant result (probability <0.05) indicates that there was a high concordance amongst experts that their trajectory estimates for 2005-15 were different to their estimates for 2015-18. Table 6. A comparison of the relative annual percentage population change for the periods 2005-2015 and 2015-2018. Significant Pre-TSS trend Post-TSS trend Year 3 target met? concordance (2005-2015) (2015-2018) among elicitors?

Annual Elicitors did not consistently conclude that percentage -0.62 0.98 there was any difference in trajectory for population  the periods 2005-15 and 2015-18. change

The Mountain Pygmy-possum has been a focus of significant research and conservation management effort extending over several decades. This effort has included some successes in control and mitigation of development impact, genetic rescue and enhanced control of feral predators at some sites. State agencies have been mostly responsible for this sustained management effort. The Threatened Species Strategy has contributed to the enhanced control of feral cats in one area. Although some current threats are now reasonably well managed, there remain major risks of episodes of wildfire, and ongoing direct and indirect impacts due to climate change. Additional actions that could improve trajectory The potential impact of carrying out specific additional conservation measures on the population trajectory of the Mountain Pygmy-possum was also evaluated through expert elicitation. Additional actions that could further improve the population trajectory of the Mountain Pygmy-possum include:

• more effective control of feral herbivores at all sites; • more resource investment allowing for even more effective predator control at all sites; • management options explored for mitigating impacts of climate change; • (if Bogong Moth resources continue to be markedly reduced from historic levels) supplementary feeding at key time periods; • some option for translocation in response to loss of some populations (e.g. following severe wildfire)

13 Information current to December 2018 Threatened Species Strategy – Year 3 Priority Species Scorecard (2018)

9. Immediate priorities from 2019 The priorities listed here are derived from the recovery plan, conservation advice and action statement, with further advice from contributing experts based on new information. Data collection:

• Ongoing monitoring of population size, trends in genetic heterogeneity, key resources and habitat quality, threats and management effectiveness required • Determine the significance of the litter-loss phenomenon evident at some Victorian sites and develop mitigation measures • Ongoing monitoring of abundance and heavy metal residues in Bogong Moths, and factors influencing these parameters Management actions:

• Ongoing and enhanced management of introduced predators • Suppression of wildfire • Where required, habitat augmentation and improvement of connectivity • Ongoing and enhanced control of introduced herbivores to maintain or improve habitat quality • ongoing regulation and management of developments and habitat degradation in sites occupied by this species • Exploration of mitigation options for changing climate

10. Contributors Linda Broome (OEH); Jerry Alexander, Adrian Moorrees (DELWP); Marissa Parrott (Zoos Victoria); John Woinarski, Sarah Legge, Hayley Geyle (NESP TSR Hub). Andrew Burbidge; Peter Menkhorst; Nicholas MacGregor; Peter Latch.

11. Legislative documents SPRAT profile: http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=267 Threatened Species Scientific Committee (2018). Conservation Advice Burramys parvus Mountain Pygmy-possum. : Department of the Environment and Energy. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/pubs/267-conservation-advice- 01022018.pdf. In effect under the EPBC Act from 01-Feb-2018. Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (2016). National Recovery Plan for the Mountain Pygmy-possum Burramys parvus. Australian Government, Canberra. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/recovery-plans/mountain-pygmy-possum. In effect under the EPBC Act from 06-May-2016. Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment (1991/2013). Flora & Fauna Guarantee Action Statement Mountain Pygmy-possum Burramys parvus. https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/32355/Mountain_Pygmy- possum_Burramys_parvus.pdf

14 Information current to December 2018 Threatened Species Strategy – Year 3 Priority Species Scorecard (2018)

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Approved Recovery Plan for the Mountain Pygmy- possum, Burramys parvus. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hurstville NSW. https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/-/media/OEH/Corporate-Site/Documents/Animals-and- plants/Recovery-plans/mountain-pygmy-possum-burramys-parvus-recovery-plan.pdf Biosis Pty Ltd (2013). Recovery Plan for the Mountain Pygmy-possum Burramys parvus on Mount Buller, Victoria 2011 to 2016. https://cdn.mtbullercdn.com.au/assets/environment/mt_buller_mountain_pygmy- possum_recovery_plan_2011-2016_final.pdf

12. References Biosis Pty Ltd (2013) 'Recovery Plan for the Mountain Pygmy-possum Burramys parvus on Mount Buller, Victoria 2011 to 2016.' Biosis Pty Ltd, . Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (2016) 'National Recovery Plan for the Mountain Pygmy-possum Burramys parvus.' Australian Government, Canberra. Garnett, S.T., Butchart, S.H.M., Baker, G.B., Bayraktarov, E., Buchanan, K.L., Burbidge, A.A., Chauvenet, A.L.M., Christidis, L., Ehmke, G., Grace, M., Hoccom, D.G., Legge, S.M., Leiper, I., Lindenmayer, D.B., Loyn, R.H., Maron, M., McDonald, P., Menkhorst, P., Possingham, H.P., Radford, J., Reside, A.E., Watson, D.M., Watson, J.E.M., Wintle, B., Woinarski, J.C.Z., and Geyle, H.M. (2018) Metrics of progress in the understanding and management of threats to Australian Birds. Conservation Biology https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.13220. Hemming, V., Burgman, M.A., Hanea, A.M., McBride, M.F., and Wintle B.C. (2017) A practical guide to structured expert elicitation using the IDEA protocol. Methods in Ecology and Evolution, 9, 169- 180. Mitrovski P, Hoffman AA, Heinze DA, Weeks AR (2007) Rapid loss of genetic variation in an endangered possum. Biology letters 4, 134–138. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) 'Approved Recovery Plan for the Mountain Pygmy- possum, Burramys parvus.' NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hurstville NSW. Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment (2013) 'Flora & Fauna Guarantee Action Statement Mountain Pygmy-possum Burramys parvus.' Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne. Weeks AR, Heinze D, Perrin L, Stoklosa J, Hoffmann AA, Rooyen A, Kelly T, Mansergh I (2017) Genetic rescue increases fitness and aids rapid recovery of an endangered population. Nature Communications 8, e1071.

13. Citation Please cite this document as:

National Environmental Science Program Threatened Species Research Hub (2019) Threatened Species Strategy Year 3 Scorecard – Mountain Pygmy-possum. Australian Government, Canberra. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/20- mammals-by-2020/mountain-pygmy-possum

15 Information current to December 2018