Information Report Possums
Introduction Possums are Australian marsupials that were introduced in NZ in 1837 and are a pest to our native trees and shrubs and native land snails, lizards and insects and native bird eggs by chasing the mother birds out of their nests.
When did NZ recognise possums as pests? It wasn't until the 1940s, over a hundred years after they were introduced in NZ, that scientific evidence proved that possums were predators and pests. Since then NZ have tried to control the possum.
How are possums controlled? There are toxic baits and traps that can control possums. There are licensed possum control contractors who use a combination of methods from aerially applied baits laced with toxins to cyanide baits and leg traps.
What organisations are there to help with possum control?
There are different agencies that can help with possums and the conservation of our land and native animals. There is TBfree NZ, regional councils, Department of Conservation, and Ministry for Primary Industries. Each has their own department concerning the risk possums pose to different things such as native plants and trees, native animals and biosecurity issues.
Conclusion Animals are a recognised pest and need to be removed from NZ. They pose huge risks to a lot of things and are a danger to our native animals and forestry. It would be better if we didn't have possums in the first place.
Hi Ella, you have written a great possum report. I agree that it would be better if possums had never been introduced. My children hunt possums with their Grandad when they go to stay with him. Farmers get him to go to their farms and get rid of the possums for them. Do you know what they do with the possum fur?
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