Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00270:body:0:p66
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00270
Segment Type: other
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Character Range: 182173–185547

upon existing subpopulations, benefits, likelihood of success, and cost-effectiveness of translocation options. Develop appropriate protocols for use and implementation of translocation as informed by Action 5.2 (most likely 'wild-to-wild' introductions for the Central Highlands subpopulations). Ensure that translocation management actions are consistent with international standards and protocols for ex situ conservation and translocation (IUCN/SSC 2013, 2014) as well as relevant Australian and Victorian government legislation and policy.

Action 3.2 – Priority: Essential
Continue with genetic sequencing to help inform analyses of selection and climate adaptation among the different Leadbeater's possum populations. Assess the risks, benefits, practicality, cost-effectiveness and consequences of 'gene pool mixing' to increase the viability of both the highland and lowland subpopulations.

Action 3.3 – Priority: Essential
Where Action 3.1 and Action 3.2 indicate likelihood of net benefit, undertake carefully monitored trial translocations, and – if successful – extend translocations to other priority areas.

Action 3.4 – Priority: Highly beneficial
Apply ex situ strategies where appropriate, including trials with highland animals, to aid the management options for the lowland swamp forest subpopulation.

Priority criteria
1)        Surveys, monitoring and assessments are completed that identify where translocation may be valuable within the known range, and evaluates risks, costs, and benefits of translocation options.
2)        'New' colonies or subpopulations within the known range are established, as required, through translocation.
3)        Captive management of lowland Leadbeater's possums continues with the objective of maximising the number of lowland pairs (that is, reproductive potential).
4)        Gene-pool mixing reduces inbreeding coefficients in the lowland population.
Table 3: Objective 3 deliverables
Timing               Outcome
By end of 1st year       * Protocols and guidelines (that describe the feasibility, risk assessments, evaluation of costs and benefits, and recommended procedures) for translocation are developed and potential source populations identified (Action 3.1).
                         * Maintain an ex situ program including testing captive protocols with highland animals (Action 3.4).
By end of 2nd year       * Where net benefit is expected, priority sites for translocation within and adjacent to the Central Highlands are identified (Action 3.1).
                         * Gene pool mixing (strategic and adaptive introduction of genes from highland animals into the lowland population) is undertaken to contribute to the long-term viability of the lowland population (Action 3.2).
By end of 5th year       * Where net benefit is expected, at least two trial translocation projects within or near to the current range are undertaken and the outcomes monitored (Action 3.3).
By end of 10th year      * Translocated populations are effectively established and contribute significantly to overall long-term population viability (Action 3.3).
                         * The number of lowland breeding pairs (territories) is increased, in part with support from captivity, such that the lowland subpopulation is sustainable (Action 3.4).

Objective 4
Additional populations outside the core range of