Possums

Angry possum. Photo: Animal Health Board.

Angry possum

In its native land the possum is up against dingoes, bush fires and less palatable vegetation. In NZ there are no predators and lots of very palatable vegetation as a result they have a huge impact on NZ ecosystems.
Possum eating a chick. Photo: David Mudge. Copyright: Nga Manu Images.

Facts about possums

The Australian brush tailed possum was introduced into New Zealand in 1837 to establish a fur trade. Possums can live anywhere that has shelter and a varied food supply.

Possum damage on Mamaku, Pirongia Forest Park. Photo: Keith Broome.

The threat of possums

Possums pose a serious threat to New Zealand's native forests, birds and possibly our land snails.

Carol Nanning (DOC staff) sitting in a helicopter used for aerial possum control, Coromandel. Photo: Justine Cannon.

DOC's work with possums

Find out about the ways DOC is working to control possums.

ABCD fence used for possum control, Flax Block Wildlife Management Reserve, Waikato. Photo: DOC.

You can help stop possums

Find out how to recognise if possums are present you how you can help in controlling possums.

Highlights:

Image from the Meet the Locals - Trappers video. Image copyright: TVNZ.

Trappers video

Pest control is a huge, ongoing job that occurs throughout New Zealand. In this video you'll meet The Friends of Rotoiti, volunteer trappers helping control pests in Nelson Lakes National Park.

Possum killed by 1080 poison. Photo: Ralph Powlesland.

Videos about 1080 possum control

View a series of short videos on 1080 poison and how it can control the threat of possums.

 
 

Find out more

Publication

C.M. King (Ed.), 2005: The Handbook of New Zealand Mammals, Second Edition. Oxford University Press.

Publication

The use of 1080 for pest control

1080 in action

Information

View websites about environmental management and possum research

 

Tools

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