Which possum is the faunal emblem of the Australian state of Victoria?

Leadbeater’s possum is the faunal emblem of the Australian state of Victoria.

This small, nocturnal marsupial lives mainly in the mountain ash forests of Victoria’s Central Highlands. It depends on mature trees containing hollows for nesting, while dense understorey vegetation provides cover and travel routes. Colonies usually occupy a communal nest made from shredded bark and leaves.

The species became a conservation symbol after extensive old-growth forest logging and the 1939 and 2009 Victorian bushfires reduced or fragmented its habitat. It is listed as critically endangered in Victoria and nationally under Australia’s environmental legislation.

Leadbeater’s possum is sometimes confused with the greater glider or sugar glider, but it is a distinct species with a compact body and a narrow black crest. Its scientific name honours John Leadbeater, a taxidermist at Melbourne’s museum.