Mountain Pygmy Possum  Burramys parvus    (click on images to
view full screen versions)  Mountain Pygmy-Possum  Mountain
Pygmy-Possums  The mountain pygmy-possum or burramys is the only
native mammal confined to the high mountains of southeast
Australia where the total area of suitable habitat is only 10 sq
km.  The pygmy-possum is very small and will almost fit on the
palm of a hand. The head-body length is 11 cm and the tail - 14
cm. Adults weigh between 40 - 45 g.  It's difficult to tell
exactly what burramys do because they are always undercover.
They like cool, moist, rocky areas that provide shelter,
protection from predators, abundant nesting sites and a milder
micro-climate.  The mountain pygmy-possum was discovered as a
fossil in 1894 and was thought to be extinct.  In 1966, a small
male was captured in the University Ski Club lodge on Mt
Higginbotham. Skiers at the club had previously seen similar
animals, but thought they were mice.  Winter is a difficult
period for all animals in alpine areas. H