New Leadbeater possum colonies don't impact on 'endangered' status: advocates

Colonies found by Victorian government but conservationists say sightings 'don't change anything on the ground'

Reports that more than 200 new colonies of Leadbeater's possum have been recorded in Victoria have been played down by conservationists, who say the sightings "don't change anything on the ground" for the critically endangered species.

The wild population of the tiny possum has contracted to an estimated 1,500 individuals, driven by the loss of its habitat of old growth mountain ash forests in Victoria's central highlands by bushfire and logging.