Honey Possum - Tarsipes rostratus
This tiny marsupial is not really a possum, but occupies a special niche by feeding almost exclusively on nectar from flowering plants. This requirement means it must live where there is a year round supply of flowers and the only place where this is assured is the diverse sandy heathland of the South and SW of Western Australia. Fortunately these sandy soils are not particularly good for farming, so large areas remain reasonably intact, leaving plenty of habitat for this little animal. However there are other threats to it, varying from the dieback fungal disease that kills many plant species and in particular the banksias, which are a major nectar food source; to predation from cats and foxes. The honey possum is very much at risk from these introduced predators as it usually feeds within 2 metres of the ground and often below 1 metre, so is easily in reach of them.
Size-wise the honey possum is considerably smaller than the house mouse, Mus musculus, plus their eyes do not reflect torch light, so they are very difficult to spot in the bush and able to hide behind even little bits of vegetation. So if you see one, count yourself very lucky. For more information about this intriguing little animal see here:
http://natureitems.blogspot.com.au/2007/04/27-super-cute-honey-possum-tarsipes.html
