Although the Northern Beaches is known to have the largest population of pygmy possums in Sydney outside of National Parks, these cryptic little animals were only discovered in the local area about 15 years ago! They are listed as vulnerable to extinction in NSW under Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 due to habitat loss.

Where do they live?

The Eastern Pygmy Possum is a master of adaptation, thriving across a wide range of habitats from lush rainforests to sclerophyll forests, woodlands, and heathlands, though woodlands and heath are usually its preferred haunts. 

As a nocturnal creature, it spends its nights foraging and its days tucked safely away in cleverly chosen shelters. Tree hollows are a favourite hideout, but they also makes use of rotten stumps, thickets of vegetation, or even abandoned bird nests or possum dreys. Breeding females sometimes construct small spherical nests from shredded bark to create a snug nursery for their young. 

What do they eat?

The Eastern Pygmy Possum is a tiny but vital pollinator, carrying pollen from bloom to bloom and helping plants and ecosystems thrive. They sip nectar and pollen from banksias, eucalypts, and bottlebrushes with the help of a brush-tipped tongue. When flowers are scarce, they switch to soft fruits or even insects. 

Breeding is closely tied to food availability - while young can be born at any time of year, most arrive between late spring and early autumn. Typically, these possums raise two litters annually, though if food is abundant, they may squeeze in a third. 

What do they look like?

The Eastern Pygmy Possum is a miniature marsupial marvel, weighing between 15-43 grams. Adults measure just 7-11cm in body length, with tails nearly as long. Despite their tiny size, they're instantly eye-catching with their oversized, forward-pointing ears, rounded head, long whiskers and enormous eyes. This gives them a perpetually curious look. Their fur is light brown on top and white underneath. 

Their prehensile tail is almost bare underneath with fur on top, and acts like a built-in climbing rope, curling and gripping branches to help them move through the canopy with ease. 

How can you support the Eastern Pygmy Possum?

• Create a backyard sanctuary: Turn your garden into a safe refuge for local wildlife by planting native shrubs and ground covers that offer food and shelter. Keep dead trees and tree hollows. For practical tips, see Backyard Habitat.
• Report fox sightings: Report any fox activity to FoxScan.
• Keep your dog on a leash: Avoid disturbing wildlife by keeping your dog on leash outside of off-leash areas.
• Stay on the path: When cycling or walking through natural areas, stick to the path so you don't disturb any habitat.
• Keep pets indoors, especially at night: Dog and cat attacks are one of the largest threats to native wildlife.
• Report injured wildlife to WIRES (1300 094 737) or Sydney Wildlife (9413 4300). 
• Join a local Bushcare group: Participate in supervised bush regeneration to help restore habitat.
• Join local clean ups: Participate in local cleanup groups such as the Northern Beaches Clean Up Crew.

Fun facts

• Eastern Pygmy Possums weigh less than a golf ball.
• They have a remarkable survival trick: when the nights grow cold or food becomes scarce, they slip into a hibernation-like state known as torpor. In this energy-saving mode, these tiny possums curl themselves into a tight ball, tucking their ears neatly against their head to conserve warmth.