Western Pygmy Possums
The Slater family found the Western Pygmy Possums on their property at Coffin Bay on the Eyre Peninsula. These tiny endangered species have become very vulnerable in some parts of Australia. They have a short pointed face with fawn to reddish-brown fur and white underparts. Their ears and eyes are both large, relative to the size of their head. Pests such a foxes and feral cats have severally affected some populations and bush fires have led to habitat loss.
Mr Slater has a number of Melaleuca trees within the family property where these Possums were first discovered. The Cummins Men’s Shed assist Mr Slater in trying to preserve these tiny native animals by building many breeding boxes to be used in this area. This has assisted in increasing the numbers on the property with a number of Pygmy Possum families making themselves a home.
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This extremely important awareness project will extend over a five year period which will cover many parts of Australia from the coastal areas to the vast desert regions. We will meet with many people from all walks of life who will assist in sharing their valuable knowledge on the local endangered species. This will assist us to share this information, beautiful photos and films with our valued supporters.
The Founder
Kevin Hughes has had a passion for Australian Native Animals for some years which began when he worked as a commercial pilot for the Wirrimanu Aboriginal Community in Balgo, Western Australia – the base being located at Halls Creek, a few hours drive North of Balgo. The Indiginous Elders of the area where a huge influence on the desire to learn and assist Australian wildlife.
Having serviced in the military within Australia and Overseas, as a Firefighter in Brisbane and a professional pilot worldwide, he has fulfilled many of his goals. In 2017, Kevin was awarded a Bravery Medal (BM) by the Governor General, Sir Peter Cosgrove AK, AC (Mil) CVO, MC (Retd). Over the past 12 months, he has planned and now formed the Endangered Species Supporters Australia (EESA) with the assistance of family, friends and sponsors. This will involve travelling to as many parts of Australia as possible over a 5-year time frame and ensuring people from all walks of life are aware of the critical numbers of some of Australia’s wonderful species.
Endangered Species Supporters Australia is proud to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respect to elders both past, present and emerging, and are committed to, and inspired by, indigenous Australia. In acknowledging country, we commit to the relentless pursuit of a united Australia.
The conservation of endangered species is important for humans as well.
“Australia should and must strive to be a world leader in the preservation of all native creatures, we must ensure that tomorrow the children of our planet enjoy as rich as inheritance as we received today.”
– Val Lehman
The diversity of Australian wildlife is under threat
Australia is one of the most biologically diverse countries on the planet. It is home to more than one million species of plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. Approximately 85 per cent of flowering plants, 84 per cent of mammals, 45 per cent of birds and 89 per cent of inshore freshwater fish are unique to Australia. Scientists have identifies more than 140 species of marsupials.
There are a number of threats to Australia’s biodiversity including habitat destruction and degradation, climate change and ruination by introduced species.