Leadbeater's Possum Detection Report – 348-531-0003 'Empire'
A nocturnal survey was undertaken by WOTCH on the morning of the 19th of November 2020 off Romans Creek Track at VicForests scheduled logging coupe 348-531-0003. Throughout this nocturnal survey two critically endangered Leadbeater’s Possums (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri) (LbP) were identified using a thermal imaging camera and recorded using a hand-held video camera. Video footage and GPS location evidence is being submitted to the Victorian Environment Department (DELWP) upon the submission of this report. This report details the methods, results, discussion, and conclusion following this detection. Among other things, we conclude that VicForests must protect these LbP detections with a 1km Special Protection Zone (SPZ) buffer around the sighting, as recommended by the expert scientists at the Australian National University (ANU).