The Leadbeater s possum s plight is not unique. Globally, animals that den in large trees or snags are losing their homes to logging. Time is not on their side, because commercial foresters harvest trees before they grow large enough to develop hollows. The forests lose out as well. You ve spent the morning in small groups checking nest boxes, doing small mammal trapping, or checking large traps for the spectacular mountain brushtail, returning at dusk for census work, and retiring close to midnight.
Teamwork is critical here, for possums readily swap den holes.
Simultaneous observations are the only way to accurately census them. Night work among the world s tallest flowering trees is its own reward. You ll bunk in a forest lodge with splendid views of Yarra Valley wine country and help cook everything from BBQs to vegetarian lasagna.