Journal articles: 'Common brushtail possum'

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Giffney, R. A., T. Russell, and J. L. Kohen. "Age of road-killed common brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) and common ringtail possums (Pseudocheirus peregrinus) in an urban environment." Australian Mammalogy 31, no. 2 (2009): 137. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am09016.

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Road-associated mortality has been identified as having major ecological effects on small, fragmented and declining populations. Both the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) and common ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus) appear to be in decline in some regions across their natural ranges. Urban populations may be an exception; however, little is known of their population ecology. This study investigates age trends in a subset of road-killed brushtail and ringtail possums collected along eight northern Sydney roads between March 2004 and March 2006. From a total of 591 recorded road-killed possums, 86 were collected for use in this study (36 brushtails, 50 ringtails). Age was estimated using tooth wear patterns on cleaned skulls. Both species showed trends associated with age, and younger possums of both species were more likely to be killed on roads than older animals. Male-biased dispersal of subadult possums is considered a major contributing factor to the over-representation of young brushtail possums in this road-kill sample.

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Russell, Tracey C., Catherine A. Herbert, and James L. Kohen. "High possum mortality on urban roads: implications for the population viability of the common brushtail and the common ringtail possum." Australian Journal of Zoology 57, no. 6 (2009): 391. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo09079.

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Animal–vehicle collisions impact wildlife populations and in the northern suburbs of Sydney, both the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) and the common ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus) are killed in large numbers. Over a two-year period almost 600 road-killed possums were observed from 217 road surveys covering over 7800 km, equating to 5.45 possums per week over the 36-km study area. Surveys were conducted along roads where the environment ranged from low-rise suburban to continuous sclerophyll forest. Significantly more ringtail possums were observed as road-kill, outnumbering brushtail possums by almost three to one. No sex bias was found amongst road-killed ringtail possums; however, seasonal trends and weight fluctuations were significant, with both males and females being at their lowest weights during the autumn breeding season. For brushtail possums a bias towards young males was observed. Sex and weight of road-killed brushtail possums were comparable to live-trap data from a previous study in the same location. In areas of such high possum mortality, wildlife managers may need to take action to mitigate possum road-kill.

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Harper, Michael J. "Home range and den use of common brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) in urban forest remnants." Wildlife Research 32, no. 8 (2005): 681. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr04072.

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The common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) is an arboreal marsupial that has adapted well to urban landscapes. Fifteen adult possums (12 female, 3 male) caught in small patches of indigenous vegetation (remnants) in the south-east of metropolitan Melbourne were radio-tracked over a three-month period to investigate nocturnal behaviour and den use. Minimum convex polygon (100%) home-range estimates of both female (1.02 ± 0.28 ha) and male (1.19 ± 0.33 ha) urban brushtail possums trapped in urban forest remnants appear to be smaller than those previously reported for urban brushtail possums. All the brushtail possums foraged extensively in remnants but made repeated forays into adjacent residential areas. The use of few dens, by both female (2.21 ± 0.35 ha) and male (2.51 ± 1.45 ha) brushtail possums, in close proximity to their nocturnal ranges is similar to the behaviour of non-urban brushtail possums

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Isaac, JL. "Possums: The Brushtails, Ringtails and Greater Glider. Anne Kerle. A Review by Joanne L Isaac." Australian Mammalogy 24, no. 2 (2002): 249. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am02249.

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DESPITE their almost ubiquitous presence across Australia, contemporary research on the biology, ecology and conservation status of the so-called 'common' possums is scant and inadequate. The majority of possum studies have been a result of the huge research effort in New Zealand to control and eradicate the common brushtail possum, a notorious introduced pest, and have concentrated primarily upon reproductive physiology. The conspicuous lack of ecological data on the larger possums across their native Australian range is particularly disturbing since evidence suggests that a number of these species are disappearing from large tracts of Australia. However, Possums: the brushtails, ringtails and greater glider, part of the Australian Natural History Series, provides a long overdue summary of up-to-date research on these familiar and intriguing marsupials.

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Chen, Yuqing, Bruce Doran, Sharyn Sinclair-Hannocks, John Mangos, and Philip Gibbons. "Building selection by the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)." Wildlife Research 47, no. 2 (2020): 186. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr19106.

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Abstract ContextThe common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) is a protected native species in Australia that can access buildings in urban areas and cause considerable damage or disruption to building occupants. Although several strategies to discourage this species from entering buildings have been recommended, few have been evaluated empirically. AimsOur study aims to analyse how landscaping and building construction influence occupancy of buildings by the common brushtail possum. MethodsWe collated reports of possums occupying 134 buildings over 12 years on the campus of The Australian National University (ANU), in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). We used generalised linear modelling (GLM) to identify associations between the total number of reported possum-related incidents for buildings and a range of landscape and building characteristics. Key resultsControlling for the effect of building size, we found that the number of reported possum-related incidents in buildings was positively associated with the percentage of tree and shrub canopy cover within the calculated home-range buffer distance of 49m from buildings, length of canopy overhanging roofs and building age, and negatively associated with tree species richness and number of trees with natural hollows and nest boxes within 49m of buildings. There were likely to be more possum-related reports from buildings in areas where the dominant tree genus was native, buildings with parapets (walls extending above the roof), buildings with structures penetrating from the roof, buildings with tile roofs and gable roofs. ConclusionsA combination of suitable habitat surrounding buildings, suitable access to the roofs of buildings and weak points in building roofs (e.g. parapets, roof penetrations), makes them more vulnerable to occupancy by the common brushtail possum. Implications Our results provided clues for managing existing buildings, or designing new buildings, in a way that may reduce the likelihood of occupancy by the common brushtail possum. Our study also demonstrated how building-maintenance records can be used to address human–wildlife conflict over time.

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Harper, Michael J., Michael A. McCarthy, and Rodney van der Ree. "The use of nest boxes in urban natural vegetation remnants by vertebrate fauna." Wildlife Research 32, no. 6 (2005): 509. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr04106.

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Nest boxes are routinely installed as a substitute for natural tree hollows to provide den and nest sites for a range of hollow-utilising fauna. We installed 120 nest boxes in 20 patches of indigenous vegetation (remnants) across the urban/suburban landscape of Melbourne, south-eastern Australia, and investigated their use by indigenous and exotic vertebrate species over a period of 12 months. Nest-box use was dominated by the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), the common ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus) and the common myna (Acridotheres tristis), an aggressive introduced bird. We found that brushtail and ringtail possums utilised nest boxes all year round but more frequently in cooler months (May–August). Common mynas dominated nest-box use during spring/summer, potentially reducing the availability of this resource to indigenous species. We found evidence that the probability of a nest box being occupied by either species of possum was greater in remnants with abundant possum populations. Brushtail possums preferred thick-walled pine nest boxes over thin-walled plywood nest boxes, most likely owing to differences in their thermal insulation properties. Although considerable economic costs would be involved in using nest boxes as a long-term substitute for hollow-bearing trees, nest boxes may provide a temporary hollow resource until hollow-bearing trees are recruited in urban remnants.

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Eymann, J., C. A. Herbert, and D. W. Cooper. ". Management issues of urban common brushtail possums Trichosurus vulpecula: a loved or hated neighbour." Australian Mammalogy 28, no. 2 (2006): 153. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am06025.

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The common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) has readily adapted to the expanding urban settings of its native Australian environment. This has lead to conflict with humans due to T.�vulpecula?s seemingly bold behaviour in suburbia. Current management strategies encourage people to live harmoniously with possums. However, despite the cooperation of many residents, some object to this policy and illegally remove T.�vulpecula from their properties. Wildlife managers are seeking alternative management options that aim to reduce conflict with people. These include fertility control methods which may be used to adjust possum numbers in a publicly acceptable way. Nest boxes are frequently recommended as alternative den sites for T.�vulpecula which reside in man-made structures. The disease status of possums may alter the rationale for their management in urban areas, due to the potential consequences for humans, domestic animals and possum conservation. Understanding the biology and behaviour of T.�vulpecula can greatly enhance the ability to select and successfully utilise adequate methods and solve outstanding issues. As such, this paper aims to review the scientific knowledge on possum populations as well as urban possum management policies and potential management tools.

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Eymann, Jutta, Catherine A. Herbert, Brian P. Thomson, Tim E. Trigg, Desmond W. Cooper, and Douglas C. Eckery. "Effects of deslorelin implants on reproduction in the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)." Reproduction, Fertility and Development 19, no. 8 (2007): 899. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rd07046.

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The present study investigated the effects of slow-release implants containing the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist deslorelin on reproduction in the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). Captive female brushtail possums were assigned to control (placebo implant), low dose (4.7 mg deslorelin) or high dose (9.4 mg deslorelin) groups; males were assigned to control or high dose (9.4 mg deslorelin) groups. The acute effects of deslorelin treatment at the level of the pituitary gland were similar between the two sexes, where a transient rise in luteinising hormone concentration was induced over the first 24 h. In females, this was associated with the disruption of the normal oestrous cycle and mating within 2–10 days in some treated individuals, but no young were subsequently detected. By 3 weeks after treatment, treated females became anoestrus and remained infertile for at least one breeding season. The effects of treatment were reversible in a subset of females that had their implants removed, although the time taken to produce offspring was variable. Paradoxically, male brushtail possums remained fertile during chronic deslorelin exposure. Despite significant declines in basal follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone concentrations, as well as an inability to respond to a GnRH challenge, treated males sired as many offspring as control males and there was no evidence of testicular regression. In conclusion, there is potential to control reproduction in female brushtail possums by using chronic GnRH agonist treatment.

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Baillie, Gregory J., and Richard J. Wilkins. "Endogenous Type D Retrovirus in a Marsupial, the Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)." Journal of Virology 75, no. 5 (March 1, 2001): 2499–507. http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/jvi.75.5.2499-2507.2001.

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ABSTRACT We have sequenced and characterized an endogenous type D retrovirus, which we have named TvERV(D), from the genome of an Australian marsupial, the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). Intact TvERV(D) gag, pro, pol, andenv open reading frames were detected in the possum genome. TvERV(D) was classified as a type D retrovirus, most closely related to those of Old World monkeys, New World monkeys, and mice, based on phylogenetic analyses and genetic organization. Approximately 30 TvERV(D) proviruses are present in the genomes of possums, as detected by Southern hybridization. However, variability in fragment patterns between possums was observed and suggests recent (or ongoing) retrotranspositional activity.

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McLean, S. "Scent glands of the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)." New Zealand Journal of Zoology 41, no. 3 (July 3, 2014): 193–202. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03014223.2014.899506.

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Emami-Khoyi, Arsalan, Shilpa Pradeep Parbhu, James G. Ross, Elaine C. Murphy, Jennifer Bothwell, Daniela M. Monsanto, Bettine Jansen van Vuuren, Peter R. Teske, and Adrian M. Paterson. "De Novo Transcriptome Assembly and Annotation of Liver and Brain Tissues of Common Brushtail Possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) in New Zealand: Transcriptome Diversity after Decades of Population Control." Genes 11, no. 4 (April 17, 2020): 436. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/genes11040436.

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The common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), introduced from Australia in the mid-nineteenth century, is an invasive species in New Zealand where it is widespread and forms the largest self-sustained reservoir of bovine tuberculosis (Mycobacterium bovis) among wild populations. Conservation and agricultural authorities regularly apply a series of population control measures to suppress brushtail possum populations. The evolutionary consequence of more than half a century of intensive population control operations on the species’ genomic diversity and population structure is hindered by a paucity of available genomic resources. This study is the first to characterise the functional content and diversity of brushtail possum liver and brain cerebral cortex transcriptomes. Raw sequences from hepatic cells and cerebral cortex were assembled into 58,001 and 64,735 transcripts respectively. Functional annotation and polymorphism assignment of the assembled transcripts demonstrated a considerable level of variation in the core metabolic pathways that represent potential targets for selection pressure exerted by chemical toxicants. This study suggests that the brushtail possum population in New Zealand harbours considerable variation in metabolic pathways that could potentially promote the development of tolerance against chemical toxicants.

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Hufschmid, J., K. A. Handasyde, and I. Beveridge. "The role of host and environmental factors in the epidemiology of rumpwear in brushtail possums." Australian Journal of Zoology 58, no. 4 (2010): 250. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo10030.

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Rumpwear is a common, but poorly defined and understood disease of brushtail possums (Trichosurus spp.) in Australia and New Zealand, resulting in varying degrees of fur loss. Populations of Trichosurus cunninghami (mountain brushtail possum) and T. vulpecula (common brushtail possum) were studied over two years at Boho South (Victoria), to describe the disease, investigate its prevalence and explore its epidemiology. The main type of lesion observed was coat damage in the lumbo-sacral region, and increased severity of rumpwear was related to decreased coat length and increased hair breakage. Significant skin lesions were rare and hair breakage patterns suggested mechanical damage. Rumpwear was very prevalent in both T. cunninghami and T. vulpecula, but very severe rumpwear was rare. There was no true seasonal pattern to the prevalence of rumpwear in T. cunninghami and sex and habitat did not affect prevalence or severity. Prevalence and severity of rumpwear did, however, increase with age. There were no significant relationships between the number of previous captures or body condition index with rumpwear.

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Mella, Valentina S. A., Jordan Krucler, Lakshmi Sunderasan, Jason Hawkins, Anushika P. H. M. Herath, Kyla C. Johnstone, Sandra M. Troxell-Smith, Peter B. Banks, and Clare McArthur. "Effective field-based methods to quantify personality in brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula)." Wildlife Research 43, no. 4 (2016): 332. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr15216.

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Context There is growing recognition of the importance of animal personality in wildlife ecology and management. Individuals that differ consistently in their behaviours from others of the same population are considered to exhibit different personalities. Personality can be easily quantified with repeat tests on animals held in captivity. However, captive-based tests may not always be possible for logistical reasons and tests conducted in captivity can alter naturally occurring behaviours. Development of methods to assess personality in the field over short-term capture is an important alternative to long-term captive tests. Aims To develop and refine field-based tests that can be used to easily define personality traits of wild common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), eliminating the need to bring individuals into captivity for an extended period of time. Methods We developed a series of short-term capture protocols to quantify personality traits of the common brushtail possum in the field, using handling-bag tests, modified open-field tests, trap-behaviour tests and release tests. Key results Personality traits of brushtail possums could be measured in several different ways, but refining methods was crucial to reveal traits efficiently. Behaviours related to several personality traits (boldness, docility and activity/exploration) could be measured rapidly in the field with our methods, and were repeatable over time. Conclusions Rapid, reliable and easy-to-perform quantification of personality of brushtail possums in the field is possible. This may sometimes be the only available option, and has advantages over long captive trials in terms of animal welfare and cost. Implications The present study provides a baseline for future research on the personality of common brushtail possums and its application to management and control strategies for the species.

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Sangster, C. R. "Multisystemic Listeriosis in a Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) and Two Common Ringtail Possums (Pseudocheirus peregrinus)." Veterinary Pathology 53, no. 3 (July 27, 2015): 677–81. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0300985815594851.

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Anderson, Hannah, Leonie E. Valentine, Giles E. St J. Hardy, and Patricia A. Fleming. "Relationship between the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) and tuart (Eucalyptus gomphocephala) tree decline in Western Australia." Australian Mammalogy 42, no. 1 (2020): 67. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am18019.

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Forest canopy loss due to plant pathogens, insect or abiotic factors significantly alters habitat and resource availability for animals, which has flow-on effects for whole ecosystems. The tuart (Eucalyptus gomphocephala) has been in decline throughout its geographic range; this is likely associated with watertable and salinity changes, although a plant pathogen (Phytophthora multivora) has also been implicated. We examined the relative abundance of common brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) across 12 sites (each 0.72 ha) selected on the basis of the health of dominant tuart trees (six ‘healthy’ and six ‘declining’ sites). Habitat variables (understorey, tuart dimensions and density, tree hollows, tree-to-trap distance) and tuart tree health (crown loss, epicormic regrowth) were compared with possum abundance. Possums were detected at most sites. There was no significant difference between brushtail possum numbers at ‘healthy’ or ‘declining’ sites, although marginally more possums were recorded at declining sites (5.7 ± 1.5 (s.e.), n = 6 sites) compared with healthy sites (3.3 ± 0.7; Cohen’s effect size d = 0.80). Slightly higher abundance of possums was associated with sites that had a greater density of smaller-diameter but taller tuart trees. ‘Declining’ sites, with more epicormic regrowth and greater tree densities, may provide more palatable food resources for possums.

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Loxley, Grace M., David O. Hooks, Aristotelis Antonopoulos, Anne Dell, Stuart M. Haslam, Wayne L. Linklater, Jane L. Hurst, and Robert J. Beynon. "Vulpeculin: a novel and abundant lipocalin in the urine of the common brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula." Open Biology 10, no. 10 (October 2020): 200218. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsob.200218.

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Lipocalins are a family of secreted proteins. They are capable of binding small lipophilic compounds and have been extensively studied for their role in chemosignalling in rodent urine. Urine of the common brushtail possum ( Trichosurus vulpecula ) contains a prominent glycoprotein of 20 kDa, expressed in both sexes. We have isolated this protein and determined its primary sequence by mass spectrometry, including the use of metabolic labelling to resolve the leucine/isoleucine isobaric ambiguity. The protein sequence was identified as a lipocalin, and phylogenetic analysis grouped the protein with other marsupial lipocalin sequences in a phylogenetic clade distinct from established cross-species lipocalin sub-families. The pattern of expression in possum urine and the similarity in sequence and structure to other lipocalins suggests this protein may have a role in brushtail possum chemosignalling.

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Jolly, SE, RJ Henderson, C. Frampton, and CT Eason. "Cholecalciferol Toxicity and Its Enhancement by Calcium Carbonate in the Common Brushtail Possum." Wildlife Research 22, no. 5 (1995): 579. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9950579.

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The common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), an introduced pest in New Zealand, is susceptible to cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), which is marketed as a rodenticide in many countries. To evaluate cholecalciferol for possum control we offered 242 caged adult possums cereal pellets containing cholecalciferol on its own or with calcium carbonate. Mortality was recorded for two weeks after presentation. For cholecalciferol on its own the LD50 was 16.8 mg kg-1 (95% confidence interval 11.6-21.9 mg kg-1), but the addition of calcium carbonate reduced this to 9.8 mg kg-1 (95% confidence interval 7.0-12.7 mg kg-1). When the sexes were analysed separately, the reduction of the LDS0 by the addition of calcium carbonate was significant only in females. The addition of calcium carbonate appeared to result in a more predictable outcome as shown by the reduced confidence intervals. For possum control, adding calcium carbonate to cholecalciferol bait would improve the bait's efficacy, decrease the amount of toxic material needed, and reduce the cost of bait production.

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Caley, P., N. J. Spencer, R. A. Cole, and M. G. Efford. "The effect of manipulating population density on the probability of den-sharing among common brushtail possums, and the implications for transmission of bovine tuberculosis." Wildlife Research 25, no. 4 (1998): 383. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr97029.

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Common brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) act as a reservoir of bovine tuberculosis (Mycobacterium bovis) in New Zealand and the simultaneous sharing of dens may result in the transmission of Tb between possums. The effect of manipulating population density on the per capita probability of simultaneous den-sharing among possums was investigated at a site near Dunedin, New Zealand. Den characteristics that could affect the probability of simultaneous sharing were also investigated, though none were found to be significant. The daily probability of a possum sharing a den was estimated to be 0.07 for possums denning within uncontrolled areas of the study area. Den-sharing was most common between female pairs, though sharing was also recorded between male–female and male–male pairs. The highest number of possums recorded sharing a single den was four. Reducing population density significantly lowered the probability of possums simultaneously sharing dens within the study area, with greater than 60% reductions estimated to eliminate simultaneous den-sharing altogether. The relationship between the contact rate arising from den-sharing and population density was convex-down, rather than convex-up, as often hypothesised for animal–animal disease contact processes. The implications of simultaneous den-sharing for the transmission and control of bovine tuberculosis in brushtail possum populations are discussed.

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Wallis, I. R., M. L. Watson, and W. J. Foley. "Secondary metabolites in Eucalyptus melliodora: field distribution and laboratory feeding choices by a generalist herbivore, the common brushtail possum." Australian Journal of Zoology 50, no. 5 (2002): 507. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo02029.

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We studied the influence of a group of plant secondary compounds, the sideroxylonals, on feeding by the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), a generalist herbivore. Possums were offered synthetic diets either with or without sideroxylonals or, in separate experiments, foliage from 28 individual Eucalyptus melliodora trees. Possums ate less of the synthetic diet at sideroxylonal concentrations of 4 and 7 mg g–1 when offered a choice or no choice, respectively. Possums fed foliage in no-choice protocols ate 12–61 g of dry matter per day. Sideroxylonal concentration was an essential determinant of feeding on foliage but the wide variation, particularly at intermediate sideroxylonal concentrations, suggests that other secondary plant chemicals, e.g. tannins, are important also. The normal distribution of sideroxylonal concentrations (mean = 27.7, s.d. = 7.85 mg sideroxylonals per g dry leaf) in a natural population of 150 E. melliodora trees shows that brushtail possums will rarely encounter highly palatable trees (<10 mg sideroxylonals per g dry leaf) nor highly unpalatable foliage (>40 mg sideroxylonals per g dry leaf). When foraging on E. melliodora, brushtail possums must contend with intermediate sideroxylonal concentrations (20–30 mg per g dry leaf), where variability in food intake is most noticeable.

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Cowan, PE, DK Blackmore, and RB Marshall. "Leptospiral Infection in Common Brushtail Possums (Trichosurus Vulpecula) From Lowland Podocarp/Mixed Hardwood Forest in New Zealand." Wildlife Research 18, no. 6 (1991): 719. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9910719.

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A survey of 261 common brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) from New Zealand lowland podocarp/mixed hardwood forest showed 34% of possums with antibodies to Leptospira interrogans serovar balcanica, 35% with antibodies to serovar hardjo, and isolation of balcanica leptospires from 23% of kidney cultures. One possum showed a titre to serovar ballum, leptospires of which were subsequently isolated in culture. Seroprevalences and isolation rates were similar in mature males and females, and increased with age. Sexually immature possums were rarely infected, but recently matured animals had significant rates of infection. Seroprevalence was elevated during the breeding season, suggesting that primary infections were generally acquired in association with sexual maturity and mating. There was no significant association between prevalence of infection and genotype, based on 8 polymorphic proteins. Infection had no significant effect on various indices of possum condition. In their response to infection, possums displayed characteristics typical of a maintenance host.

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McDowell, A., J. J. Nicoll, B. J. McLeod, I. G. Tucker, and N. M. Davies. "Gastrointestinal transit in the common brushtail possum measured by gamma scintigraphy." International Journal of Pharmaceutics 302, no. 1-2 (September 2005): 125–32. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2005.06.026.

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Hill, Nichola J., Elizabeth M. Deane, and Michelle L. Power. "Prevalence and Genetic Characterization of Cryptosporidium Isolates from Common Brushtail Possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) Adapted to Urban Settings." Applied and Environmental Microbiology 74, no. 17 (July 18, 2008): 5549–55. http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/aem.00809-08.

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ABSTRACT The common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) is one of the most abundant native marsupials in urban Australia, having successfully adapted to utilize anthropogenic resources. The habituation of possums to food and shelter available in human settlements has facilitated interaction with people, pets, and zoo animals, increasing the potential for transmission of zoonotic Cryptosporidium pathogens. This study sought to examine the identity and prevalence of Cryptosporidium species occurring in possums adapted to urban settings compared to possums inhabiting remote woodlands far from urban areas and to characterize the health of the host in response to oocyst shedding. Findings indicated that both populations were shedding oocysts of the same genotype (brushtail possum 1 [BTP1]) that were genetically and morphologically distinct from zoonotic species and genotypes and most closely related to Cryptosporidium species from marsupials. The urban population was shedding an additional five Cryptosporidium isolates that were genetically distinct from BTP1 and formed a sister clade with Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis. Possums that were shedding oocysts showed no evidence of pathogenic changes, including elevated levels of white blood cells, diminished body condition (body mass divided by skeletal body length), or reduced nutritional state, suggesting a stable host-parasite relationship typical of Cryptosporidium species that are adapted to the host. Overall, Cryptosporidium occurred with a higher prevalence in possums from urban habitat (11.3%) than in possums from woodland habitat (5.6%); however, the host-specific nature of the genotypes may limit spillover infection in the urban setting. This study determined that the coexistence of possums with sympatric populations of humans, pets, and zoo animals in the urban Australian environment is unlikely to present a threat to public health safety.

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Ball, Stephen J., David Ramsey, Graham Nugent, Bruce Warburton, and Murray Efford. "A method for estimating wildlife detection probabilities in relation to home-range use: insights from a field study on the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)." Wildlife Research 32, no. 3 (2005): 217. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr03125.

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Using field data from brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula), we present a method for modelling wildlife detection probabilities. Whereas detection functions typically (e.g. for distance sampling) describe the probability of direct human observations of animal subjects, we adapted this approach for cryptic species where observation depends on animals being caught in traps. Specifically, we characterised the probability of individual brushtail possums being caught by leg-hold traps in an area of farmland and native forest in New Zealand. Detection probability was defined as the per-individual, per-trap, per-night probability of a possum being captured, and was modelled as a function of home-range utilisation. Radio-telemetry was used to define the home-range distributions of 18 possums, and a combination of scanning radio-receivers and movement-activated video-cameras recorded instances when radio-collared possums encountered and stepped on the trigger of leg-hold traps (inactivated by being wired open). We estimated a 5% chance of trapping individual possums with a single leg-hold trap located in the centre of their home range for one night (median value across possums). Furthermore, this probability decreased rapidly as a function of distance, so that at 120 m from the centre of the home range there was less than a 1% chance of trapping success per possum per night. The techniques developed in this study could be applied to a wide variety of species and sampling methods.

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Cawthen, Lisa, and Sarah Munks. "The use of hollow-bearing trees retained in multi-aged regenerating production forest by the Tasmanian common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula fuliginosus)." Wildlife Research 38, no. 8 (2011): 687. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr10125.

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Context Hollow-bearing trees are frequently retained in timber-production areas as part of measures to mitigate against the impacts of forest harvesting on fauna, yet few studies have investigated the effectiveness of such measures. Such studies are essential for adaptive forest management. Aims The main aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of hollow-bearing trees retained in harvested and unharvested forest as den sites by the Tasmanian common brushtail possum. In particular, we examined the distribution and types of hollow-bearing trees used as den sites and whether or not their use in harvested sites was influenced by time since harvest. Methods Thirty brushtail possums were radio-tracked to their day-time den sites between March 2007–July 2007 and July 2008–October 2008, at five dry Eucalyptus forest sites (three regenerating after partial harvest with hollow-bearing trees retained inside the coupe and two in relatively undisturbed forest) in south-eastern Tasmania, Australia. Key results The brushtail possums tracked in the study denned primarily in hollow-bearing trees at both the harvested and unharvested sites. At sites regenerating 8 and 10 years after harvest, most den site locations were in trees retained outside the harvest area, in large patches. In contrast, at the site regenerating 17 years after harvest, isolated trees and small patches within the harvested area were used. Conclusions Hollow-bearing trees retained within harvest areas do provide habitat for hollow-dependent fauna such as the common brushtail possum and enable recolonisation of harvested areas in the medium term. However, in the short term these trees may not be used and hollow-bearing trees retained in the surrounding landscape are important for providing refuge as the harvested area regenerates. Implications The retention of hollow-bearing trees in harvested areas may be an effective measure at enabling recolonisation of harvested areas once suitable habitat regenerates, but it is also important to ensure that large patches of mature forest (containing hollows) are retained in the surrounding landscape to ensure the persistence of hollow-using fauna.

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Gemmell, R. T. "Breeding Biology of Brushtail Possums Trichosurus vulpecula (Marsupialia, Phalangeridae) in Captivity." Australian Mammalogy 18, no. 1 (1995): 1. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am95001.

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The brushtail possum is a common arboreal marsupial that is well adapted to the Australian urban environment and to rearing in captivity. Data obtained from 100 female possums housed in a semi-captive colony over a 7 year period demonstrate the reproductive capability of this marsupial. The main breeding season is from March to June with a declining number of births occurring from July to October. The possums gave birth to 259 single young and one set of twins. The range of the lactation period was from 177 to 200 days with the birth of the subsequent young occurring at 188.4 ± 4.1 days post partum (SD, n = 5). The growth rate of the young female possum varied greatly after day 100 post partum, the mean body weight of possums at day 172, being 753.0 ± 76.2g (SD, n = 5) with a range of 685 to 851 g. Female possums, with a mean body weight of 2171 ± 388g, gave birth to their first litter on day 345.9 ± 69.3 days postpartum (mean, SD, n = 7). Although two female possums trapped in the wild were held in captivity for 64 and 63.4 months and one possum bred in captivity had a life span of 51.5 months, the mean life span was 21.0 ± 12.5 months (SD, n =3D 8), with a range of 14.3 to 51.5 months. This life span is very variable and it is of interest to determine if this is an artefact of captivity or is also observed in the wild.

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Jolly, SE, GA Morriss, S. Scobie, and PE Cowan. "Composition of Milk of the Common Brushtail Possum, Trichosurus Vulpecula (Marsupialia: Phalangeridae): Concentrations of Elements." Australian Journal of Zoology 44, no. 5 (1996): 479. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo9960479.

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The concentrations of 11 elements (calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, strontium, sulphur and zinc) were measured in milk samples collected from 193 lactating brushtail possums, Trichosurus vulpecula, at all stages of lactation. Most elements showed patterns of change during lactation similar to those of other marsupials. The most marked changes occurred at about 80-120 days, when the growth rate of the pouch young increased and developmental changes took place, such as eye opening and fur growth. Compared with eutherians, copper and iron concentrations were high in possum milk, as in other marsupials, but zinc levels were exceptionally high. Strontium and manganese levels, not measured before in marsupial milk, were considerably higher than levels reported in eutherian milk. In contrast to eutherian mammals, marsupial young must be supplied with large quantities of minerals in the milk as almost all growth and development occurs after birth, and possum young are entirely dependent on milk supplied by the mother for about the first 100 days.

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Crowe, Olivia, and Ian D. Hume. "Morphology and Function of the Gastrointestinal Tract of Australian Folivorous Possums." Australian Journal of Zoology 45, no. 4 (1997): 357. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo97004.

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Museum specimens of seven Australian Pseudocheiridae (ringtail possums and greater glider) and six Australian Phalangeridae (brushtail possums and cuscuses) were examined to assess the extent of possible differences in gastrointestinal tract morphology and function within and between these two families of Australian folivorous possums. Although there were no differences between the two families in gut segment lengths, the Pseudocheiridae had less relative tissue mass in the small intestine (P < 0·05) and greater relative tissue mass in the caecum (P < 0·05) than the Phalangeridae. Total nitrogen concentrations of stomach, caecum and proximal colon digesta were greater in the Pseudocheiridae than in the Phalangeridae (P < 0·05), but in the distal colon they were similar. These differences suggest that the colonic separation mechanism previously documented in two pseudocheirid species is probably characteristic of the family Pseudocheiridae, but not of the Phalangeridae. They also reflect the more folivorous nature of the Pseudocheiridae, as leaves are generally higher than fruit in total nitrogen concentration. Among members of the Phalangeridae, there were no significant differences in any of the parameters measured, and it is concluded that the digestive strategy of the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) is probably representative of the family. In contrast, there were several notable differences among members of the Pseudocheiridae, indicating that the common ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus) is not representative of all pseudocheirids. In particular, the digestive strategy of the rock ringtail possum (Petropseudes dahli) should be examined in relation to its unusual habitat, to its relatively simple caecum, and to the unusually low nitrogen concentrations found throughout its gastrointestinal tract.

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Yom-Tov, Y., W. O. Green, and J. D. Coleman. "Morphological trends in the Common brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula, in New Zealand." Journal of Zoology 208, no. 4 (August 20, 2009): 583–93. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7998.1986.tb01525.x.

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Snipes, R. L., and F. N. Carrick. "Morphometric parameters of the intestines of the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)." Mammalian Biology 68, no. 3 (2003): 174–77. http://dx.doi.org/10.1078/1616-5047-00079.

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CLARK, P., and CL SWENSON. "Cytochemical staining characteristics of leukocytes of the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)." Australian Veterinary Journal 77, no. 9 (September 1999): 605–6. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.1999.tb13201.x.

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Urashima, Tadasu, Saori Fujita, Kenji Fukuda, Tadashi Nakamura, Tadao Saito, Phil Cowan, and Michael Messer. "Chemical characterization of milk oligosaccharides of the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)." Glycoconjugate Journal 31, no. 5 (June 7, 2014): 387–99. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10719-014-9533-y.

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TAYLOR, A. C., and D. W. COOPER. "Microsatellite markers for the Phalangerid marsupial, the common brushtail possum(Trichosurus vulpecula)." Molecular Ecology 7, no. 12 (December 1998): 1780–82. http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-294x.1998.00517.x.

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Vlahos, Lisa M., Ben Knott, Krisztina Valter, and Jan M. Hemmi. "Photoreceptor topography and spectral sensitivity in the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)." Journal of Comparative Neurology 522, no. 15 (April 22, 2014): 3423–36. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/cne.23610.

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Ramsey, Dave, Murray Efford, Phil Cowan, and Jim Coleman. "Factors influencing annual variation in breeding by common brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) in New Zealand." Wildlife Research 29, no. 1 (2002): 39. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr00074.

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We assembled data on annual variation in breeding rates of brushtail possums from four long-term studies in the lower North Island of New Zealand, three of which spanned more than 20 years. In each study, more than 80% of adult females bred in most years. The major exception was in 1996, when breeding failed synchronously at sites separated by up to 122 km. The overall breeding rate in 1996 at these sites was 28% (n = 201). Other instances of low breeding rate (<70%) occurred asynchronously at particular sites. We analysed variation in breeding rates to determine the contributions to annual variation of individual condition (body weight), population density, food resources and other environmental predictors. The probability of breeding declined rapidly as body condition fell below average. An index of fruitfall of hinau (Elaeocarpus dentatus), a highly nutritious food used by possums, and population density in the previous year were the most important predictors of possum condition and breeding rate. High density in the previous year coupled with low hinau fruitfall in the current year predicted below-average body condition and reduced breeding rate. Although the magnitude of these effects were only significant in ‘extreme’ years, they are consistant with delayed density-dependent effects on fecundity in brushtail possums.

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Cowan, Phil. "Variability in the seasonality of breeding by the common brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula: its possible causes and management implications." Australian Mammalogy 36, no. 2 (2014): 131. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am14017.

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Across its native range in Australia and its introduced range in New Zealand the common brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula, demonstrates significant flexibility in reproduction from breeding once a year in autumn, breeding in both autumn and spring, or breeding year round. Understanding variation in the seasonality of breeding has relevance to the management of possum populations for both management as a pest and their conservation. The success of possums as a colonising species in New Zealand has been attributed in part to their flexible breeding behaviour. Review of available evidence suggests that photoperiod and food quantity/quality influence the variation in seasonality of breeding and their effects are modulated by interactions with factors such as density, body weight and, possibly, genetics and plant secondary compounds. Future research is suggested to tease apart the relative contributions of these various factors to the observed variation.

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Day, T. D., and C. E. O'Connor. "Behavioural Adaptation of Brushtail Possums (Trichosurus Vulpecula) to Captivity." Animal Welfare 9, no. 4 (November 2000): 413–20. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0962728600022995.

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AbstractBrushtail possums, Trichosurus vulpecula, are New Zealand's most serious vertebrate pest, facilitating the spread of bovine tuberculosis to livestock, and causing severe damage to native flora and fauna. Possum control has become a national research priority, involving the use of large numbers of captive possums. Successful adaptation of these animals to captivity is important for the welfare of the possums and for the validity of experimental results. The objective of this study was to determine, by behavioural means, the time individually caged possums required for adaptation to captivity. We used a simple behavioural measure - a possum's daily response to a caregiver at feeding (a feeding test) - to assess changes in the behaviour of possums after arrival in captivity. We also recorded changes in possum body weight throughout this period. Initially most possums ‘avoided’ the caregiver, but within 7 days more than 80 per cent of animals no longer avoided. ‘In den’ and ‘approach’ behaviour rapidly increased for the first 14 days in captivity, after which den use became less common as more possums ‘approached’ the caregiver. By day 29 of captivity, more than 80 per cent of the possums ‘approached’ the caregiver. The possums’ body weight did not change significantly during the first 14 days in captivity, but had increased significantly by day 28, and continued to increase for at least 6 weeks after capture. These data suggest that most possums adapt to captivity within 4 weeks. For the welfare of possums and the reliability of experimental results, we recommend that possums are not used in experiments until at least 4 weeks after capture.

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Russell, Tracey C., Catherine A. Herbert, James L. Kohen, and Des Cooper. "The incidence of road-killed possums in the Ku-ring-gai area of Sydney." Australian Journal of Zoology 61, no. 1 (2013): 87. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo12118.

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The spatial and temporal incidence of possum mortality on roads was monitored in Sydney’s northern suburbs over a two-year period. In total, 217 road surveys were completed, equating to over 17 000 km travelled. Almost 600 possums were observed as road-kill, with common ringtail possums (Pseudocheirus peregrinus) encountered in 87% of surveys and almost three times as often as common brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) (encountered in 52% of surveys). Roads were classified into three categories based on adjacent landscape attributes, with the road-side environment ranging from suburban housing to continuous sclerophyll forest. Clusters, or ‘hot spots’, for possum road-kill were identified using GIS. Most possum fatalities, and five out of six hot spots, occurred along roads at the bush–urban interface, suggesting high possum movement rates and/or abundance at these sites. Continuous canopy across the road was available along only 4% of the roads surveyed, forcing these arboreal marsupials to cross roads via electricity wires or at ground level, making them vulnerable to collision with vehicles. In an attempt to mitigate the possum road toll, two rope tunnel bridges were erected at canopy level above the most consistent hot spot. Subsequent monitoring of the roads was undertaken for 10 months after erection of the canopy bridge and road-kill numbers declined significantly at the site of the bridges, but also at adjacent sites throughout the study area.

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Eymann, Jutta, Lee D. Smythe, Meegan L. Symonds, Michael F. Dohnt, Leonie J. Barnett, Desmond W. Cooper, and Catherine A. Herbert. "Leptospirosis Serology in the Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) from Urban Sydney, Australia." Journal of Wildlife Diseases 43, no. 3 (July 2007): 492–97. http://dx.doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-43.3.492.

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Calvert, Susan J., Robert A. B. Holland, and Robert T. Gemmell. "Respiratory Properties of the Neonatal Blood of the Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)." Physiological Zoology 67, no. 2 (March 1994): 407–17. http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/physzool.67.2.30163855.

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Rawson, Renée R., Katherine Belov, A. Angus Gidley-Baird, and Desmond W. Cooper. "Characterisation of antisera to recombinant IgA of the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)." Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology 88, no. 1-2 (September 2002): 89–95. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0165-2427(02)00126-5.

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41

Bartolo, Ray, Mike Gill, Bernie McLeod, and Grant Butt. "Localisation of ion transporters in the colon of the Australian common brushtail possum." Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology 153, no. 2 (June 2009): S83. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpa.2009.04.067.

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42

Baker, M. L., P. J. Canfield, R. T. Gernmell, P. B. S. Spencer, and N. S. Agar. "Erythrocyte metabolism in the Koala, the common brushtail possum and the whiptail wallaby." Comparative Haematology International 5, no. 3 (1995): 163–69. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/bf00368039.

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43

Cowan, PE. "Denning Habits of Common Brushtail Possums, Trichosurus Vulpecula, in New Zealand Lowland Forest." Wildlife Research 16, no. 1 (1989): 63. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9890063.

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Fifty-five T. vulpecula were radio-tracked to 182 den sites on 1987 occasions in the podocarp and mixed hardwood forest of the Orongorongo Valley, near Wellington. Most dens (92%) were above ground in trees, particularly in large trees with many clumps of perching epiphytes; the remainder were under fallen logs or trees or in dense tangles of gorse. Melicytus ramiflorus was the most commonly used living tree species. Others used commonly were Knightia excelsa, Elaeocarpus dentatus, Laurelia novaezealandiae [L. novae-zelandiae] and Podocarpus totara. Use was not dictated solely by availability. Trees without perching epiphytes were hardly ever used. Each possum used 11-15 den trees/yr, most only occasionally; the 3 most commonly used den trees accounted for 60-75% of observations. Males used more dens than females, and the sexes differed in their frequencies of the use of the various tree species, though not in the species used. Possums changed dens frequently, on average 2 nights in 3. Den sharing was uncommon, but many dens, including those on the ground, were used sequentially by several (up to 9) different possums. Dens on the ground were used mostly in autumn and winter, by possums in poor condition or after prolonged heavy rain. The implications of den site choice and use by possums are discussed, particularly in relation to den sites as a limiting resource, and the role of dens in the transmission of bovine tuberculosis. There was about a 50% chance that a den would be occupied by different possums within the probable survival period of deposited tuberculosis bacilli.

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Munks, SA, R. Corkrey, and WJ Foley. "Characteristics of Arboreal Marsupial Habitat in the Semi-Arid Woodlands of Northern Queensland." Wildlife Research 23, no. 2 (1996): 185. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9960185.

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The distribution of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) and the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) within the Prairie-Torrens Creek Alluvials province of the Desert Upland region of north-western Queensland was examined. The optimum habitat for each species as indicated by the occurrence of faecal pellet groups was found to be that associated with creek-lines. However, other land types were also used by each species to varying degrees. The relationship between various habitat variables and pellet group counts was investigated using Multiple regression and a Generalised linear model. Proximity to creek-bed, total basal area of trees, species richness and Acacia basal area (negative) best explained the occurrence of koalas. Proximity to creek-bed, Acacia basal area (negative), total basal area of trees, and available water (negative) best explained the occurrence of brushtail possums. In contrast to studies of arboreal species in the moist-south-eastern forests of Australia no relationship was found between foliar nutrient concentrations and the occurrence of koalas or brushtail possums. However, a significant relationship was found between leaf water concentration and the occurrence of koalas. It is suggested that water availability is the paramount factor defining preferred arboreal habitat in arid and semi-arid woodlands.

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Demmer, J., IK Ross, MR Ginger, CK Piotte, and MR Grigor. "Differential expression of milk protein genes during lactation in the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)." Journal of Molecular Endocrinology 20, no. 1 (February 1, 1998): 37–44. http://dx.doi.org/10.1677/jme.0.0200037.

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In the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) lactation lasts for 200 days and consists of two distinct phases. Milk composition changes dramatically between phase 2 and 3, which correspond to early and late lactation respectively (phase 1 corresponds to pregnancy). RNA expression patterns have been established for eight major milk protein genes throughout lactation in possum mammary glands. The levels of mRNA expressed from two genes, encoding the early and late lactation proteins, were differentially regulated during lactation, with peak RNA levels occurring in phase 2 and 3 of lactation respectively. Expression of these two RNA transcripts did not overlap, and neither gene was expressed at significant levels between days 116 to 125, suggesting that the transition from phase 2 to phase 3 of lactation occurs at this time. The level of lysozyme, alpha-lactalbumin and trichosurin mRNA increased in phase 3 of lactation, whereas the levels of beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-casein and beta-casein mRNA remained constant throughout lactation. In the non-suckled gland, expression of milk protein genes was greatly reduced by day 6 of lactation. In conclusion, the early and late lactation protein genes are good markers for phase 2 and 3 of lactation, with the transition between these phases occurring around day 120 of lactation in the possum.

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Clapperton, BK, and LR Matthews. "Trials of electric fencing for restricting movements of common brushtail possums, Trichosurus vulpecula Kerr." Wildlife Research 23, no. 5 (1996): 571. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9960571.

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The responses of common brushtail possums, Trichosurus vulpecula, to a mesh fence with electrified outrigger wires were examined in a series of trials in an outside enclosure. Possums initially had no hesitation in approaching the fence. Their first contact was usually with the lower hot wire(s). Possums responded to shocks by jumping back, rolling, running away, grooming and head-shaking. Responses depended upon the part of the body contacting the fence. No possums climbed over the electrified fence during a total of 50 trials. Over three or four repeated exposures, eight possums successively took longer to approach the fence and longer to receive the first shock, spent less time in the vicinity of the fence, and received fewer shocks during the first 2 h of the trial. However, over the whole night there was no significant drop in shock frequencies. The addition of a second lower hot wire and an increase in the pulse rate did not prevent possums that had successfully been contained by the fence from breaching the fence when chased towards it repeatedly; 7 of 12 possums were forced over the fence. Possums that had learned to avoid the live fence crossed the fence within 1-7 h after the fence was turned off. Speed and duration of avoidance learning in possums are compared with those in other species. These trials suggest that a combination fence of electrified 'hot wire' and mesh could be useful in reducing contact between possums and farm animals for the control of tuberculosis, reducing possum migration into areas that are free of tuberculosis or of high conservation value, and protecting crops.

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Coleman, JD. "Distribution, Prevalence, and Epidemiology of Bovine Tuberculosis in Brushtail Possums, Trichosurus-Vulpecula, in the Hohonu Range, New-Zealand." Wildlife Research 15, no. 6 (1988): 651. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9880651.

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Over a 12-month period, 1467 brushtail possums were trapped and then killed or were poisoned along sampling lines on pasture-forest margins and in nearby forest. An additional 334 possums were shot on adjacent farm land. All possums were necropsied, and 141 had macroscopic lesions typical of bovine tuberculosis. Infected possums occurred most commonly in small foci of 2-5 individuals along pasture-forest margins; the furthest from pasture that an infected animal was taken was 4050 m. Lesions occurred in possums of all ages in both sexes, but disease prevalence was highest in immature males and during autumn and winter. Infected possums bred as successfully as non-infected individuals, but were of lighter body weight. Macroscopic lesions occurred in a wide range of visceral and lymph node sites. Lesions were most common in the lungs and axillary nodes, and occasionally formed open sinuses from which infected possums could shed M. bovis readily, and thus were likely to be highly infective. Evidence suggested that disease transmission occurs most frequently on pasture-forest margins, where possum numbers are greatest and possum and cattle mix most freely.

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Crisp, EA, PE Cowan, and M. Messer. "Changes in milk carbohydrates during lactation in the common brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula (Marsupialia:Phalangeridae)." Reproduction, Fertility and Development 1, no. 4 (1989): 309. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rd9890309.

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Milk samples (186) were obtained at various stages of lactation from 27 common brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula). Qualitative and quantitative changes in the milk carbohydrates during early and mid-lactation were similar to those previously seen in other marsupials; the principal carbohydrate was lactose early in lactation and higher oligosaccharides in mid-lactation, and the hexose concentration reached a peak during mid-lactation. However, the late-lactation milk was unusual in that the carbohydrate was mainly lactose and its concentration remained relatively high (3.5 to 5.5%). In contrast to earlier findings on the milk of the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii), little or no nucleotide pyrophosphatase, beta-galactosidase and alkaline phosphatase activities were detected late in lactation.

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McLeod, B. J., E. G. Thompson, J. L. Crawford, and G. H. Shackell. "Successful Group Housing of Wild-Caught Brushtail Possums (Trichosurus Vulpecula)." Animal Welfare 6, no. 1 (February 1997): 67–76. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0962728600019400.

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AbstractThe common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), introduced from Australia about 150 years ago, has become a major pest threatening the native biota of New Zealand. It is also an important disease vector, acting as a wildlife reservoir of infection. Conventional methods of control have had little effect on reducing the national population, so there is a quest to find more effective and humane methods. This has led to an upsurge in research aimed at increasing our knowledge of the biology of this marsupial, with an attendant increase in requirements for access to colony-housed animals.Possums kept for research purposes have often been housed in individual cages, and several colonies have experienced high mortality rates. After capture, possums have shown inappetence, weight loss and a predisposition to infection, suggesting that this species is susceptible to post-capture stress. For our reproductive studies, research animals are only useful if maintained under conditions that ensure behavioural and physiological processes remain normal. We have adopted an ‘animal husbandry’ approach for our possum colony, where social interaction and the ability to exhibit instinctive behaviour patterns are considered as important as adequate nutrition and housing.In this colony, group-housed possums show no signs of post-capture stress, and mortality rate has been less than one per cent (of > 600 animals housed to date). Virtually all possums gain weight over the first month of captivity. Procedures for monitoring, handling and the collection of data from these animals, are carried out with little apparent stress to either animals or staff.

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Lindenmayer, D. B., C. I. MacGregor, R. B. Cunningham, R. D. Incoll, M. Crane, D. Rawlins, and D. R. Michael. "The use of nest boxes by arboreal marsupials in the forests of the Central Highlands of Victoria." Wildlife Research 30, no. 3 (2003): 259. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr02047.

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The results are reported of a nest-box study conducted in two locations in the mountain ash (Eucalyptus regnans) forests of the Central Highlands of Victoria (south-eastern Australia) to compare usage of different nest-box designs located at different heights in trees. A total of 96 nest boxes was established using a rigorous experimental design – two regions (Powelltown and Toolangi State Forests), two forest age classes (20-year post-logging regrowth and 60-year fire- and salvage-logging regrowth), two nest-box designs (large boxes with large entrance holes and small boxes with small entrance holes), and two heights at which nest boxes were attached to trees (3 m and 8 m above the ground). The study entailed setting out four nest boxes at each of 24 sites to meet the design criteria. Evidence of occupancy by vertebrates was recorded in a total of 19 of 96 boxes on 11 of 24 sites site during regular inspections over more than three years. Thirteen boxes were used by Leadbeater's possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri), six by the mountain brushtail possum (Trichosurus cunninghami) and seven by the common ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus). The common ringtail possum and mountain brushtail possum were seen only in high–large boxes but Leadbeater's possum used all but the low–large boxes. There was evidence of spatial dependence in usage patterns, with all four boxes at a given site showing signs of eventually being occupied. Only two nest boxes located in mountain ash forest regenerating after the 1939 wildfires were occupied. Relatively limited use of nest boxes supports concerns about the use of a nest box over large scales and long timeframes as an effective recovery tool for species threatened by the loss and subsequent shortage in the numbers of naturally occurring hollows.

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Journal articles on the topic 'Common brushtail possum'

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