Answer:
Leabeater's possum is a particularly vulnerable marsupial because it has such specialised needs. If more people understood these needs, it could help to preserve the species.
The Leadbeater's Possum is not extinct, but it is classified as threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 of Australia. After the devastating Black Friday bushfires of 1939, it was actually believed to be extinct, and was only rediscovered in 1961.
Like many Australian animals, Leadbeater's Possum is endangered because of habitat loss. Leadbeater's possums nest in the hollows of old trees in the mountainous areas of Victoria, preferably trees in excess of 150-200 years in age, but drought and the increased number of bushfires in recent years in Victoria has reduced the numbers of such available trees. Further, many of the remaining trees that are suitable are in Victoria's prime timber production area.
There are efforts being made to reestablish native forests with enough old trees to support the possum's habitat needs. Preventing further logging of the possum's habitat would help. In addition, greater awareness of bushfire risks, together with controlled burnoffs of dry undergrowth during summer, may help to preserve the Leadbeater's possum's habitat and reduce the chances of extinction.