Possums are a major pest in New Zealand and are still an ongoing problem. This report will be focused on possums and why they are considered as “pests”, the damage they have done and what’s being done about it. (Predator Free NZ, 2016)
Possums do a lot of damage to native habitats, animals etc. Although possums eat a variety of things branching from meat to veggies, they can really disturb New Zealand nature.
Possums can vary in size, they can range from 10cm-120cm in length. The bushtail possum was originally brought to New Zealand 1837 from Australia – then they started implanting themselves and went into the wild where they then became “invasive species”. Possums don’t have any predators which is why they can populate very easily. (Wild About New Zealand, n.d.)
Possums severely damage native plants and forests by killing the native trees and florals. They like to eat new growth on trees making it difficult to grow again as a healthy tree.
Possums also disturb bird’s nesting areas, and do sometimes eat their eggs. (Breyer, 2012)Because possums are eating native plants and trees, they are disturbing the native birds homes and well as killing their main food supply – this makes it difficult for these native birds and animals to find food for themselves.
Possums do affect us as humans too. They can be a problem in people’s gardens too. They eat their gardens plants and trees and also create a lot of noise. Furthermore possums carry around a disease that attack lungs called “Tuberculosis”. This can result in animals becoming seriously ill and can also lead to death sometimes.
Because possums are considered as pests – they are certain ways to control them. (Environment Southland Reegional Council, n.d.)
– Bait Stations
– Pest Proof Fences
– Trapping
BAIT STATIONS: Bait stations are made out of plastic. They are filled with poison pellets including cyanide, 1080 and more. The stations are put near trees where possums can easily be intrigued by the bait. They are placed 30cm off the ground so other animals such as ground feeding birds cannot be affected. The point of bait stations is that the possum would go near the feeder, eat the poison and then die.
PEST PROOF FENCES: This is a way to control possums getting into certain areas however they are price consuming and these fences do need maintaining but they do have a good success rate going. The fence is currently the most sustainable method of pest control.
TRAPPING: Possum trapping is a way you can help to reduce this threat to the eco-system. There are two different methods of trapping possums in NZ. Live trapping or trapping with kill traps. Each has their own uses, advantages and disadvantages.
Live trapping for possums come in two forms, either live capture cage traps or possum leg hold traps. (Department of Conservation, n.d.)Live capture cage traps are ideal for use near your home. Possum leg hold traps are a cost effective way to catch a large number of possums. There are regulations around the use of leg hold traps in New Zealand so you should be wary of that. Trapping that kill possums: People usually use bait that can be smelt easily by possums. Possums like sweet things. Cage traps can be baited with pieces of fresh fruit as bait in possum kill traps.
IMPLICATIONS – ENVIRONMENTAL
Biodiversity is essential for the functioning of the ecosystems that provide vital resources such as food, water etc. for the world. Invasive species pose a serious risk by altering and degrading the environment, they have a negative effect on both native species and us, humans. Possums can decimate New Zealand’s native species by attacking them and their homes.
Many thing have been developed to stop the damage caused by possums and to prevention future invasions. An important component is educating people about the dangers of transporting wildlife to new areas. As with many environmental problems, continued research will yield insight into effective control measures. While many invasive species may not ever by fully eradicated, increased awareness and research offer methods of preventing their spread and controlling the economic and environmental damage they can incur.
To New Zealand, possums are pests and have become an immensely populated one. They are destroying the native forests, plants and animals that New Zealand has. Possums are also carrying around Tuberculosis which means a lot of animals can easily catch on to that and fall deeply sick. A biological method could be the answer and what New Zealand needs to help eradicate possums in New Zealand. Department of Conservation are trying to control the possums however they still may be a populated pest in the future if nothing is done. (Deparment of Conservation, n.d.)