Student ID: 2023002613 Discussion Board Activity 4: Pest Animals Word Count: 738

Discussion Board Activity 4 Pest Animals: Focus on the Common Brushtail Possum
By: C. O. Johns
Introduction
Initially introduced for economic reasons, the Common Brushtail Possum, now threatens the
extinction of not only New Zealand’s endangered native plant and animal species but also the
economy of the crucial agricultural industry through the spread of the contagious disease Bovine
tuberculosis (TB). The possum species which is classified as a pest in New Zealand is classed as
endangered in Australia where it originates from. The following essay will discuss the current
management strategies that are used, which include ground-based poisoning, hunting, and trapping
in combination with aerial poisoning.
Origin
The Common Brushtail Possum, Trichosurus vulpecula, (Figure 1. Below) was first introduced to New
Zealand from Australia in 1837 with the intention to establish a fur trade. The first attempts were
unsuccessful, but the fur industry was determined to establish a population and succeeded in 1858
in Southland. Between 1858 and 1922, 36 consignments of possums were imported to New Zealand
and by 1930 the possums had been released in 450 different places nationwide. In 1921 the New
Zealand government banned any further release of possums to the wild but illegal release still
occurred. There was regulation of hunting and selling of the fur until 1946 when possums were
categorised as an environmental pest and protected status was removed. Historic large-scale control
efforts included the 1951-1961 “bounty scheme” but possum populations in forests continued to
grow with no natural predators present (DOC, 2023; Hutching, 2015).
Figure 1. New Zealand pest species the Common Brushtail Possum.

Note: From Threatened species of the Northern Territory [Photograph], by M. Barritt, 2021
(https://nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/205525/common-brushtail-possum.pdf)
Student ID: 2023002613 Discussion Board Activity 4: Pest Animals Word Count: 738

Characterisation
Possums are classified as medium-sized marsupials with an average weight of 2 kg and 65-95cm in
length. They have similar appearance to large domestic cats, with a pink nose, long whiskers, and
round oval-shaped ears. They have grey/brown fur on their back with lighter pale grey to white below
on their belly. They are easily identified by their characteristic black long bushy tail that has no fur on
the underside helping them climb and balance in trees. They are nocturnal and mainly found in forest
habitats and have no natural predators in New Zealand that can effectively control their population
size. Possums are omnivores with a diet of buds, flowers, fruit, berries, nectar, eggs, chicks and
invertebrates (DOC, 2023; EPWS, 2021).
Threats
Possums are estimated to eat approximately 21, 000 tonnes of vegetation per night in New Zealand,
with forests producing approximately 300, 000 tonnes a day. Their grazing in the forest can cause
dieback in trees such as rātā and kamahi. The grazing preferences of the possums can result in a
change in the forest composition as they feed on new shoots and flowers preventing the ability of
the plant to regrow. As omnivores they also eat eggs, birds, insects, and snails. Previously thought of
as vegetarian, in 1993 a time-lapse video caught wild possums eating kokako eggs and chicks. They
have been caught since eating eggs, chicks, and adults of other native bird species. They also threaten
native species through direct competition for food and attack native bat species. Along with threat
to native species, the possum threatens the New Zealand economy through the spread of the disease
TB, which was introduced with cattle by settlers. Attempts were made to eradicate TB with limited
success. In the 1960’s it was discovered that possums were carriers and can infect previously clear
herds (Brown et al., 1996; DOC, 2023; Hutching, 2015).
Figure 2. Possum eating native kereru chick in nest.

Note: From Possums [Photograph], by Nga Manu images, 2018 (https://ngamanu.org.nz/nga-manu-

images/)(NgaManu, 2018).
Student ID: 2023002613 Discussion Board Activity 4: Pest Animals Word Count: 738

Management Strategies
The control of possums is managed by OSPRI TBfree New Zealand, the Department of Conservation,
Ministry for Primary Industries, regional councils, and private individuals/companies. Some of the key
strategies used are aerial poisoning, ground control trapping, hunting and research such as biological
control vaccines. The use of pest control strategies has resulted in the eradication of possums from
many offshore islands. The main poisons used to control possums are sodium monofluoroacetate
(1080), phosphorus, cholecalciferol, pindone, cyanide and brodifacoum. These are used depending
on the location, size, and terrain of an area with landowner consultation to ensure that livestock and
native species are safe. The toxins are place in bait stations, stapled to trees in biodegradable bags
or hand laid. Trap type depends on the ease of access, risk to livestock and animal welfare
requirements (DOC, 2023; Hutching, 2015; MPI, 2023; OSPRI, 2023).
Conclusion
In summary the introduction of the Common Brushtail Possum from Australia in 1837, although
initially unsuccessful, has led to the currently devastating pest population across mainland New
Zealand. The ability of the possum to eat a range of species as an omnivore and low number of natural
predators means that it has been able to thrive. The possum threatens both endangered plant and
animal species through direct predation and competition. It is also a significant threat to the New
Zealand agricultural economy as a known carrier of the disease TB. The current management
strategies used by a variety of organisations nationwide include ground trapping, poisoning, and
hunting, research, and aerial control. The strategies have been used with success on offshore islands
around New Zealand and it is hoped that the same will one day be seen on the mainland.

References
Brown, K., Moller, H., & Innes, J. (1996). Sign left by brushtail possums after feeding on bird eggs and chicks.
New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 277-284.
DOC. (2023). Animal pests and threats: Possums. Retrieved 10/5/23 from
https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/pests-and-threats/animal-
pests/possums/#:~:text=Possums%20have%20a%20significant%20impact,but%20possums%20are%
20opportunistic%20omnivores.
EPWS. (2021). Northern Territory Government Threatened species of the Northern Territory Common
brushtail possum. Northern Territory Government Australia Retrieved from
https://nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/205525/common-brushtail-possum.pdf
Hutching, G. (2015). Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand: Possums Retrieved 11/5/23 from
https://teara.govt.nz/en/possums
MPI. (2023). Pest management partnerships, programmes, and accords.
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/how-to-find-report-and-prevent-pests-and-
diseases/partnerships-programmes-and-accords/
NgaManu. (2018). Pests and Predators. https://ngamanu.org.nz/pests-predators/
OSPRI. (2023). How pest control operations work. https://www.ospri.co.nz/tb-and-pest-control/how-pest-
control-operations-work/