The possum is probably the greatest threats to our all-natural natural environment.
Description
The prevalent brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula, is endemic to Australia and was initial introduced to New Zealand from Australia in 1837 to ascertain a fur trade. This release was unsuccessful plus a next launch in 1858 at the identical Southland place was required for them to establish.
The brushtail possum might be mis-named as an opossum, Didelphis sp., that is an American animal not existing in New Zealand.
The possum provides a thick, bushy tail, thick system fur, a pointed snout and large, pointed ears. There's two colour types of the species - grey and black, with numerous variants in visual appeal. Possums can walk, leap and certain and its prehensile tail aids it move around tree branches.
The size and excess weight of possums may differ throughout New Zealand. Typically, Grownup possums are sixty five to 95 cm extended and weigh 1.four to 6.four kg.
Possums here are nocturnal and will Dwell anyplace where You can find shelter as well as a different foods provide. They are really now popular across almost all of New Zealand. the primary habitat is forest, and possum densities can be specifically significant in podocarp-broadleaf forests. Margins where forest fulfills pasture can also be popular habitat and assist quite dense populations.
The threat
Possums have a big effect on a lot of New Zealand’s pure ecosystems. They take place in significant numbers as well as their have predators, including feral cats, do not need A lot impact on controlling possum inhabitants sizing.
Leaves are the principle portion of their diet plan, but possums are opportunistic omnivores, and take in native birds and their eggs, land snails for instance Powelliphanta and as invertebrates together with weta. They consume buds, flowers, fruit/berries and nectar, meaning they compete with native birds and reptiles for foodstuff sources. The expansion and life-cycle of the tree or plant is significantly influenced when all elements of it are eaten. Possums even have ‘favourites’ such as rātā or kamahi trees, bringing about a fair better influence on these species.
Possums typically occupy holes in tree trunks for his or her nests which would if not be utilized by nesting birds such as kākāriki and saddlebacks.
Dairy and deer farmers contain the added worry of possums spreading bovine tuberculosis. the worth of economic reduction in Most important output for injury and control of possums is during the tens of thousands and thousands.
proof displays stoats and possums are taking in kea. Researchers employing nest-cameras have witnessed the gruesome reality within defenceless kea nests invaded by stoats and possums in South Westland.
You may help to manage possums
typical predator Command should help to control possum quantities and acquire us closer on the Predator no cost 2050 intention.
DOC's function
DOC is billed With all the treatment of New Zealand's native plants and wildlife. The survival of whole ecosystems is afflicted through the possum.
We are among the lots of businesses that manage possum Handle - other companies include things like OSPRI, regional councils plus the Ministry for Major Industries.
DOC commits assets to possum Manage at precedence web sites to make certain very long-phrase survival of species as well as ecosystems that aid them.