The possum is probably the biggest threats to our organic environment.

Description

The popular brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula, is endemic to Australia and was initially introduced to New Zealand from Australia in 1837 to establish a fur trade. This release was unsuccessful as well as a 2nd launch in 1858 at precisely the same Southland site was necessary for them to determine.

The brushtail possum can be mis-named being an opossum, Didelphis sp., which can be an American animal not present in New Zealand.

The possum incorporates a thick, bushy tail, thick overall body fur, a pointed snout and large, pointed ears. There are 2 colour sorts of the species - gray and black, with quite a few variations in physical appearance. Possums can wander, soar and certain and its prehensile tail assists it shift close to tree branches.

The size and weight of possums differs throughout New Zealand. commonly, Grownup possums are sixty five to 95 cm long and weigh 1.4 to 6.four kg.

Possums are nocturnal and can Are living anyplace the place You can find shelter and also a various food offer. They are now widespread throughout almost all of New Zealand. the principle habitat is forest, and possum densities can be notably significant in podocarp-broadleaf forests. Margins wherever forest fulfills pasture will also be well known habitat and support quite dense populations.

The threat

Possums have an important effect on lots of New Zealand’s organic ecosystems. They manifest in high quantities and their very own predators, such as feral cats, would not have A great deal impact on managing possum populace measurement.

Leaves are the principle section of their food here plan, but possums are opportunistic omnivores, and consume native birds as well as their eggs, land snails for instance Powelliphanta and as invertebrates such as weta. They consume buds, bouquets, fruit/berries and nectar, which suggests they compete with native birds and reptiles for foodstuff sources. The expansion and daily life-cycle of the tree or plant is substantially influenced when all parts of it are eaten. Possums even have ‘favourites’ including rātā or kamahi trees, leading to a fair larger effect on these species.

Possums generally occupy holes in tree trunks for their nests which would or else be used by nesting birds like kākāriki and saddlebacks.

Dairy and deer farmers contain the extra get worried of possums spreading bovine tuberculosis. the worth of financial loss in Main generation for injury and Charge of possums is while in the tens of tens of millions.

Evidence displays stoats and possums are ingesting kea. scientists employing nest-cameras have witnessed the gruesome actuality inside of defenceless kea nests invaded by stoats and possums in South Westland.

You can assist to control possums

standard predator Handle can help to control possum figures and get us nearer to the Predator Free 2050 aim.

DOC's function

DOC is charged Using the treatment of recent Zealand's native plants and wildlife. The survival of total ecosystems is impacted through the possum.

we've been one of many quite a few businesses that handle possum control - other businesses include OSPRI, regional councils plus the Ministry for Primary Industries.

DOC commits methods to possum Management at priority websites to make certain extended-phrase survival of species plus the ecosystems that guidance them.