We have had further rain and at times strong winds and the odd calm day. On these calm days we have explored the local environs checking on the status of Western Pygmy Possums. We do this only twice a year being careful not to disturb them.
The pygmy possum family is divided into two groups – the genus Burramys and the genus Cercartetus.
Burramys contains only one surviving species – the Mountain Pygmy Possum – three other extinct species are known from fossils.
Cercartetus has four species (all surviving):
- Western Pygmy Possum, Cercartetus concinnus,
- Eastern Pygmy Possum, C. nanus,
- Tasmanian (or Little) Pygmy Possum, C. lepidus and
- Long-tailed Pygmy Possum, C. caudatus.
Pygmy possums are tree-dwelling marsupials. From head to tail they can be as large as 12 cm and, fully grown, as small as 5 cm! They weigh between 10g and 50g.
They have large eyes, large ears and long whiskers. Their soft, fur coat is fawn to grey on top and white underneath. Like many marsupials, their long tails swell with extra fat in times of plenty. Source: Bush Heritage
Rain has also bought out interesting land snails.
The two most common species are the smooth shelled Bothriembryon barrette and secondly the ribbed species, Pleuroxia oligopleura, meaning few ribs. The Boths are known to shelter under deep litter beneath vegetation and, where the soil is soft or sandy, to burrow into this when conditions are dry. After rain, the snails emerge to forage for food. How they survive in such a harsh environment is nothing short of amazing.
With the strong winds and stormy weather we have taken the time to capture views of landscape that are exposed to the elements.
Stunning skies, the sun shining through the clouds that are starting to build up to more rain.