Leadbeater’s possum  (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri)

Description

Thought to be extinct after disastrous fires in 1939, Leadbeater’s possum was only rediscovered in 1961 in Marysville near Melbourne, Australia (4). Similar to other marsupial gliders, the Leadbeater’s possum has a long bushy tail, large ears and eyes, and thick soft fur (5). It is grey-brown with a dark stripe running the length of the back, and a paler underside (3). There are dark patches at the base of the ears, as well as above and below the eyes (5). It is thought to be a more primitive member of the glider group as it has no gliding membrane (3). This marsupial has an inconspicuous pouch (6).

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