I was hoping somone more knowedgable might illuminate the story.
As I can figure it out, the concern is that the northern population of
the Lemuroid Ringtail might be extinct - or at least in serious trouble -
because it has not been seen for several years on Mt Lewis where it was
formerly common.
The extent of difference between the northern & southern populations
seems unknown - the striking white form you see photos of was common
(10-20%) in the northern population but is very rare (~0.1%) in the
southern population.
The Lemuroid Ringtail has its own genus, its closest relative is the
Greater Glider with it shares some ecological attributes. I tfavours
rainforests on rich soils and is known to be vulnerable to forest
fragmentation. Previous analysis of ranges & climate variables has
suggested its one of the Australia mammals most likely to be hit by
climate change. It is also conceivable that it could be hit by other
changes such as leaf nutrient levels declining as atmospheric CO2 climbs -
and of course there could be an explanation unrelated to climate (disease,
random variation, ...)
And if you want to be depressed read the comments in the Courier-mail:
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/comments/0,23836,24742053-952,00.html
Andrew
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