What is NZ doing to get rid of possums?

What is NZ doing to get rid of possums?

Introduced in the 1830s, in the hopes of kicking off a local fur trade. (The species in question is an Australian possum, and quite distinct from the American opossum.) New Zealand has been battling its invasive predator problem for years, with traps, bait, hunting and aerial poison drops.

What is being done about controlling or eliminating pests in New Zealand?

Predator Free 2050 is an ambitious goal to rid New Zealand of the most damaging introduced predators that threaten our nation’s natural taonga, our economy and primary sector.

Are possums protected in New Zealand?

The Australian brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), a cat-sized marsupial, was introduced to New Zealand in 1837 for the fur trade. In Australia, the possum is protected as a native species. But in New Zealand, it has become the country’s most damaging animal pest, wreaking havoc on native forests.

How many possums are there in NZ 2021?

The estimated number of possums in New Zealand in the absence of control (i.e. if possums were at carrying capacity) is 47.6 million. About 28.5 million (60%) occur in indigenous forest classes other than beech, with about equal numbers (6.5 million) occurring in beech forest and scrub.

Why are possums a problem in New Zealand?

The threat. Possums have a significant impact on many of New Zealand’s natural ecosystems. They occur in high numbers and their own predators, such as feral cats, do not have much effect on controlling possum population size. Leaves are the main part of their diet, but possums are opportunistic omnivores.

How long do brushtail possums live?

13 years
Brushtail possums can live up to 13 years in the wild.

Why are possums bad in New Zealand?

Possums threaten New Zealand’s ecology because they can increase to population densities where their browsing pressure can defoliate canopy and understorey vegetation. They also compete with and prey on our native fauna. Their browsing can reduce flowering and fruiting, kill trees, and result in forest canopy collapse.

Does New Zealand have possums?

Possums are nocturnal and can live anywhere where there is shelter and a varied food supply. They are now widespread across most of New Zealand. The main habitat is forest, and possum densities can be particularly high in podocarp-broadleaf forests.

Why are possums disliked?

Partly because of their looks, and partly because of their association with garbage, people tend to dislike them and often times opossums are attacked because of it. An alarming number of Opossums become victims of animal cruelty.

What do brushtail possums eat?

Brushtail Possums eat plant material, supplemented with bird eggs, baby birds and some insects. They mainly eat leaves of eucalypts but also some shrubs (mainly wattles), herbs, flowers and fruit.

How did the brushtail possum get to New Zealand?

Description. The common brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula, was first introduced to New Zealand from Australia in 1837 to establish a fur trade. This release was unsuccessful and a second release 20 years later at the same Southland location was required for them to establish.

Do brushtail possums drink water?

Possums need fresh water daily. Their water containers need to be heavy and wide-based so they can’t tip them over.

Where are brushtail possums found in New Zealand?

An ecological nightmare. Brushtail possums are a protected species in their native Australia. Across the Tasman, they have established themselves as New Zealand’s most voracious and intractable pest, attacking simultaneously the beauty of our forests and the good name of our farming products.

Why is it important to control possum in New Zealand?

Regular predator control will help to control possum numbers and get us closer to the Predator Free 2050 goal. DOC is charged with the care of New Zealand’s native plants and wildlife. The survival of whole ecosystems is affected by the possum.

What kind of damage do possums do to trees?

Possums selectively browse native vegetation causing particular damage to broadleaved trees, notably Metrosideros species including rata. This leads to competition for food with native forest birds, changes in forest composition, and eventually canopy collapse.

When did they stop using poison for possums?

Possums are controlled through a combination of trapping, ground-baiting and, where other methods are impractical, aerial treatment with 1080 poison. From 1979 to 1984, possum control was stopped due to lack of funding.