A TEAM of scientists and conservationists is pushing to escalate Victoria's faunal emblem, Leadbeater's possum, up the national threatened species list to critically endangered - one step below extinct.

The group will make a submission to the federal government early next year, arguing that the possum numbers have declined sharply following a major hit to their habitat in the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.

At risk: Leadbeater's possum.

Green groups also argue that logging is putting further pressure on the remaining animals.

There are only four mammals in Australia formally recognised as critically endangered on the threatened species list.