Breeding success good news for pygmy possum

[n2doc]

Scientists have successfully bred a healthy mountain pygmy possum from two genetic groups.


Scientists have recorded successful breeding between groups of mountain pygmy possums. (Credit DSE/Tim Arch)


A DWINDLING BREED OF mountain pygmy possums threatened by ski resort developments and climate change has been given new hope after a successful breeding program in the wild.

In an Australian first, scientists have bred two genetically different populations of the marsupial by temporarily relocating males from Mt Hotham into female territory at Mt Buller in Victoria's Alpine country. The successful experiment could hold wider implications for other isolated threatened species which could be impacted by climate change.

Mountain pygmy possums (Burramys parvus) are found in only three locations in Australia: Mt Hotham and Mt Buller in Victoria, and Mt Kosciuszko in NSW.

more
http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/journal/breeding-success-good-news-for-mountain-pygmy-possum.htm

[pangaia]

1. Congrats

WOW ! That is REALLY, REALLY Grrrrreat news!!