The possums were carefully selected by ecologists from the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) and transported by charter flight to Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary, located about four hours northwest of Alice Springs. The 9,450-hectare sanctuary offers a safe, predator-free environment essential for their successful reintroduction. 

Brushtail possums are commonly found in Australia’s coastal cities but are rare in Central Australia due to habitat loss and predation by feral animals such as cats and foxes. In recent years, the species was driven to extinction in the Red Centre, exacerbated by changing fire regimes and frequent hot, dry weather. The relocation effort addresses these challenges by placing the possums in a protected habitat, enabling them to thrive and contribute to the local ecosystem.  

The arrival of the possums was also marked by a special Possum Dreaming (‘Rrpwamper’) ceremony hosted by the Anmatyerr First Nations people in Laramba. This traditional ceremony celebrates the return of the possums and strengthens cultural connections between the Indigenous community and the land.  

“We perform the ceremony to connect possums back to the Land and connect them back to the People. Younger generations can now learn about the possum through song, dance and stories passed down from their elders,” said Anmatyerr elder Peter Cole, guardian of the possum dreaming story in a press release. 

According to Dr. Tim Henderson, one of the ecologists involved in the project, brushtail possums play a crucial role in seed dispersal and ecosystem health. The possums will be monitored over the coming year to ensure they adapt well to their new environment. 

This successful relocation joins other recent conservation achievements in the Red Centre, including the return of species like the brush-tailed bettong, bilby, and golden bandicoot. The re-establishment of brushtail possums marks a hopeful step toward restoring biodiversity and enhancing ecological balance in Central Australia.

Image credits to Brad Leue and AWC.

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