The endangered pygmy possum, which lives around ski-fields in Victoria (Australia), is in the news again. The possums, which weigh up to only 45g and can fit in the palm of a hand, are said to be under threat from the planned Mount Hotham alpine village redevelopment, which includes a luxury apartment complex, restaurants, day spas, a cinema, conference facilities and a 500-space car park. Environmentalists have sent a plea about the possums to Mr Packer, Australia's second richest man, as he positions himself to take control of Victoria's Mount Hotham and Falls Creek ski-fields.
...There are fewer than 2,000 mountain pygmy possums left in the wild in Australia - including 1,500 in the Mount Hotham area. The more development there is in this area, the less room the possums have to live in. Critics have described the redevelopment as "environmental madness". However, a review by Ecology Australia has stated that the possums were unlikely to be significantly affected.
Source:
http://www.smh.com.au/news/environment/hello-possums-little-creatures-could-pose-a-big-threat-to-packersski-plans/2008/05/24/1211183186813.html
Also see:
http://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewtopic.php?p=872414#872414 and
http://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewtopic.php?p=368767#368767