[Oregonkiwi]

There was a possum in our back yard here in Oregon this morning, which got me thinking about the differences between US and NZ possums. They're completely different animals, NZ possums are kind of cute, the way squirrels are cuter than rats. (It's the fluffy tail.) Then I was thinking, a lot of people outside NZ don't realize what a noxious pest possums are in NZ and why they must all be killed. So here's some info if anyone is interested. (I started talking about possums in the dog thread but didn't want to hijack that one.)

http://www.wwf.org.nz/conservation/possums.cfm
We all know how much damage possums have done to New Zealand's native flora and fauna. They have thrived in the rich environment here in New Zealand, and they face few natural threats. As a result, there are now many millions of possums here in New Zealand. Some population estimates are as high as 70 million. In one night these possums can eat about 21,000 tonnes of green shoots, berries, fruits and leaves. They also eat birds' eggs, chicks and insects. As a result, they threaten the survival of many of our native plants, birds and insects. The New Zealand government and many community projects (some supported by WWF), have integrated possum eradication programmes into their pest control work.

In 1837, possums were first introduced in an attempt to develop a fur industry. The possum is a native Australian animal and most of New Zealand's stock came from Tasmania. Visit www.doc.govt.nz to find out more information about the history of possums in New Zealand.

http://www.doc.govt.nz/Conservation/002~Animal-Pests/Possums/index.asp
The damage to native forests can be seen all too clearly in many areas. Possums ignore old leaves and select the best new growth. In some areas they have eaten whole canopies of rata, totara, titoki, kowhai and kohekohe.

Possums compete with native birds for habitat and for food such as insects and berries. They also disturb nesting birds, eat their eggs and chicks and may impact on native land snails.

Dairy and deer farmers have the added worry of possums spreading bovine tuberculosis.

Possums are a nuisance in suburban gardens, and sometimes even indoors.

[Angie and Mick]

When on a trip on a coach to 90 mile beach the coach driver talked about the possums and how they are not liked. He talked about a few of the things that NZ had tried to get rid of them including some of ideas which were not so good as could then cause problems to other animals and birds. I do hope that any measures do not impact on other wild life, we have already seen what happens when animals ,reptiles are introduced to a country, I am also thinking about the frog (not sure which one) which was introduced to Australia, aim to eat something else however I understand that these little frogies are now taking over.

[Oregonkiwi]

I am also thinking about the frog (not sure which one) which was introduced to Australia, aim to eat something else however I understand that these little frogies are now taking over.

Cane toads. They're pretty nasty from what I've heard.

[sarahw]

Oregonkiwi,

Glad to see you quoting some good websites - I work on community habitat restoration. The best way of eradication is trap lines - if anyone has a sizeable amount of land & are looking to get rid of possums I'd recommend getting in contact with DoC (Dept of Conservation) local to your area - they have details on traps that they have developed that a lot of the large operations are using. Otherwise you can PM me & I can send some details to you.

Possums are a huge threat to all endemic bird life, especially kiwi chicks - the wildlife in NZ evolved without any mamalian predators, and so does not have the capability like elsewhere in the world to protect itself - bird life especially.

Possums aren't the only problem though, mustelids, rats, ferral cats, wild pigs, deer..... the list goes on.

A lot of projects are putting up predator proof fences, intensively trapping & then once eradication is complete or pretty much complete re-introducing species from elsewhere. Karori sanctuary in Welly has just reintroduced 70 tuatara (a large lizard endemic to NZ and only place they're found on mainland now). There are also many island projects where groups are working on creating completely pest-free islands so that bird life can thrive - Kapiti Island is an example on the Kapiti coast & anyone who has been there can vouch for the rich birdlife on the island.