Within Perisher Blue�s 1250 hectares of skiable terrain, lies an area set aside to protect one of Australia�s smallest animals.

The mountain pygmy possum or Burramys parvus finds sections of Mount Blue Cow Peak the perfect locality in which to live. A significant population inhabits the heavily bouldered area on and around the peak year round.

Extensive studies (Broome, 2000) of this tiny creature has shown that females of the species find Blue Cow�s rocky terrain the ideal environment for feeding in the warmer months and hibernating in the snow covered winter periods.

Bogong moths are a major food source for the pygmy possum, with heavy concentrations being found in this area. In spring and summer when Bogongs are prevalent the possum is at its busiest breeding and fattening up for winter hibernation.

As snow falls and covers the boulder strewn environment in the Blue Cow Peak precinct, space forms between the ground and snow. Temperatures remain constant under the snow even though they vary substantially on the surface. The pygmy possum can forage and move, finding a suitable location before hibernating during the coldest periods- late June to early September.

The mountain pygmy possum is highly mobile, males can travel 2 to 3 kilometres from lower elevation habitats to mate with the females. Females tend to nest in the lower elevations and move to higher elevations to feed. In winter the sexes tend to separate. This reveals a high level of movement during the four seasons.

Perisher Blue has been actively involved in seeking to ensure the conservation of this unique animal including the need for careful and sustained management of access to its habitat.

Tunnels have been constructed by Perisher Blue to allow the mountain pygmy possum to move freely between lower elevations to the higher elevation boulder fields. These �love tunnels� offer sanctuary for males and females to find each other without fear of foxes and other predators that roam the area.

The 2002 season will mark the first time a section of Mount Blue Cow is to be closed off to all skiers and snow boarders. The area known as Rough Rider adjacent to Zali�s Run and to Side Saddle will be out of bounds in order to protect the mountain pygmy possum�s habitat and to help ensure its winter hibernation is uninterrupted.

A rope line will mark the designated area and educational signs will be displayed on its boundaries identifying the site and features to assist Perisher Blue, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the public in conserving this very special and endangered species.

So when you are enjoying fun on the slopes of Blue Cow this season keep an eye out for the home of the mountain pygmy possum and please be quiet, they are sleeping!

Reference: �Density, home range, seasonal movements and habitat use of the mountain pygmy-possum Burramys parvus (Marsupiala: Burramyidae) at Mount Blue Cow, Kosciusko National Park�. Linda S. Broome. NPWS 2000.