Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University
Abstract
This document reviews current science on Leadbeater’s Possum and its montane ash forest habitat
in the Central Highlands of Victoria.
The report comprises seven chapters on key topics related to the conservation and current
management of Leadbeater’s Possum and the forest habitats on which the species depends.
Chapter 1 gives a brief history of major events that effect Leadbeater’s Possum and its forest habitat
in the Central Highlands of Victoria. Chapter 2 explores work on hollow-bearing trees, as they are the
most critical habitat element that will dictate the species’ survival. Chapter 3 reviews some of the
recent policies for the management of the species, while Chapters 4 and 5 provide a summary of
some of the statistics and other information relating to Leadbeater’s Possum and the forests in
which it is found. Chapter 6 explores information about and insights into the Mountain Ash
ecosystem and why it is currently classified as Critically Endangered under IUCN Red List of
Ecosystems criteria. Chapter 7 reviews many relevant government documents. Chapter 8 contains
some general conclusions about the management of Leadbeater’s Possum and the forests in which it
occurs.
Throughout this report, unless otherwise specified, reference to ANU means the ANU scientists who
have conducted research in the Victorian Central Highlands ecosystem over the past 34+ years, or
the scientific work that they have produced.
We examine the threats to Leadbeater’s Possum as well as critically appraise the effectiveness of
management actions and protective measures designed to conserve the species. We examine the
Critically Endangered listing of both Leadbeater’s Possum and the Mountain Ash ecosystem in which
it lives, and why both are in a parlous state. The review looks back over the history of decisions and
other factors that have led us to the current situation, and explores possible futures based on
decisions currently being made.
Our review relies heavily on the substantial scientific literature on Leadbeater’s Possum and
Mountain Ash forest. Long term data and scientifically robust research will play an important role in
rigorously assessing many current claims about the status of populations of Leadbeater’s Possum
and its habitat and providing clarity on information to guide enhanced decision making.
The area of remaining 1939 age forest in the Central Highlands is reaching low levels, and important
decisions need to be made about how the forests of this age are managed. The next 5-10 years will
be critical for how the Central Highlands ash forests and the species that inhabit them persist (or
otherwise) over the next century
