Leadbeater's Possum Zone 1A Habitat Detection Report – 298-519-0002 'Mr. Ed'
Field surveys within VicForests logging coupe 298-519-0002 along Kalatha/Horseyard Creek Road were undertaken on the 8, 17 and 18 of August 2019 to determine if Leadbeater’s Possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri) (LbP) Zone 1A habitat was present. For each hollow-bearing tree encountered during the surveys, the diameter at breast height (DBH) was determined, any obvious hollows were noted and some of the significant features of the trees were recorded. Each hollow-bearing tree recorded was understood to be Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnans). GIS mapping was undertaken to determine if the investigated area matched the required tree-to-hectare density that must be met if LbP Zone 1A habitat is to be established. We conclude that this investigation was successful in detecting LbP Zone 1A habitat within mostly the western half of VicForests logging coupe 298-519-0002 and therefore a Special Protection Zone must immediately be established to protect this area from imminent logging operations.