Wilderlands is excited to announce that one of the world’s cutest creatures has made its home in our Coorong Lakes project! 

The thrilling discovery came from our conservation team, who recently returned from the site ecstatic to confirm the presence of 11 Western Pygmy Possums. This long-awaited news confirms suspicions that the habitat was indeed suitable for these charming, furry friends.

Western Pygmy Possums making themselves at home in a purpose built nest box.

The journey began late last year when Wilderlands’ Lead Ecologist, while completing her annual monitoring, noted that the Coorong Lakes habitat appeared ideal for small mammals and reptiles, thanks to its high-quality mallee eucalypt and banksia-grass tree shrublands. However, despite the perfect conditions, these animals remained elusive.

Through discussions with Steve Rigney, it was revealed that the Ngarrindjeri people had been collaborating for years with Bill Harman, a lecturer and coordinator of the Conservation and Ecosystem Management course at TAFE SA. Bill had extensive experience in monitoring small reptiles and mammals and helped devise a plan with Deanna to implement new detection techniques on the property.

This collaboration led to the idea of installing nest boxes for pygmy possums. As small, nocturnal creatures, these possums are notoriously difficult to spot. Bill proposed the idea, and Deanna’s family set to work, constructing the boxes from sustainable eco-ply in her central Victorian backyard. These nest boxes provide crucial shelter, especially for breeding females, where natural hollows are often lacking.

In June, the boxes were installed at seven locations across the property, with hopes of attracting the tiny creatures—some of which weigh as little as 13 grams. 

Months later, the Wilderlands team returned, joined by Bill Harman, his students from the Aboriginal Access Centre at TAFE SA, National Parks Rangers from Noonameena, and members of the Raukkan community. The group was participating in a project to install pitfall traps, aimed at monitoring small mammals and reptiles.

Ngarrindjeri community members and TAFE SA students immersed in Wilderlands Coorong Lakes Project site.

While walking through the property, Bill happened to peer into one of the nest boxes—and there it was. 

“It’s a pygmy possum!” he exclaimed.

The group hurried over to catch a glimpse, confirming that these were indeed Western Pygmy Possums, identified by their white belly fur.

As the day went on, more possums were found in other nest boxes, confirming the success of the project. This was not only a significant biodiversity win but also crucial, given the threats these tiny creatures face from predators like cats, as well as habitat fragmentation and land clearing.

TAFE SA student, Tanya, meeting a Western Pygmy Possum for the first time.

Wilderlands will return to the Coorong Lakes in the coming weeks to begin pitfall trap monitoring alongside Bill’s students. The monitoring involves placing buckets flush with the ground to catch small creatures, which will be inspected each morning. The team will also check the possum nest boxes once again, hopeful to see more signs of these special little creatures making themselves at home.

*All relevant permits have been obtained for this fauna survey work.