April
Watch for Western Pygmy Possums
(Indigenous name: Mundarda)
At this time of the year, we appeal to vineyard workers to keep a lookout for pygmy possums. Rarely seen, being nocturnal and only weighing 10 to 20 grams full grown, they can often be found on the vines at harvest time. They look a bit similar to a mouse with their fawn or reddish brown coat and white belly, but their coiled tail is unmistakable. Have a look at those ears folded forward over the eyes and big black brown eyes in a whiskered small face - what an adorable little creature.
If you should find a pygmy possum in its leaf nest during the day, it might be asleep so soundly that it is quiet cold to touch and does not rouse easily when taken from the nest. The night is another story – that is its time to be very active indeed.
If there is any danger for instance from machinery, place it gently in a safe area such as the fork of a tree or a hollow stump and pile leaf litter over it, so it is well hidden from predatory birds. If grapes are being mechanically harvested it may be a better option to remove it to a safer area. Do not let this precious little animal get into the wine!
Mabel Bell