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1
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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Fink, Lyndsay. "Native Australian Mammals Possums – Common Ringtail Possum (xiv)." Ballarat Naturalist (1993:Jul) (July 1993): 8. http://dx.doi.org/10.5962/p.384213.
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Kroll, Jeri. "Possums." New Writing 1, no. 2 (October 15, 2004): 133. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14790720408668930.
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Call, Melissa J., and Ashleigh S. Davey. "Hello Possums!" Immunology & Cell Biology 99, no. 7 (June 28, 2021): 674–76. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/imcb.12483.
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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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Potts, Annie. "Kiwis Against Possums: A Critical Analysis of Anti-Possum Rhetoric in Aotearoa New Zealand." Society & Animals 17, no. 1 (2009): 1–20. http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/156853009x393738.
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AbstractThe history of brushtail possums in New Zealand is bleak. The colonists who forcibly transported possums from their native Australia to New Zealand in the nineteenth century valued them as economic assets, quickly establishing a profitable fur industry. Over the past 80 or so years, however, New Zealand has increasingly scapegoated possums for the unanticipated negative impact their presence has had on the native environment and wildlife. Now this marsupial—blamed and despised—suffers the most miserable of reputations and is extensively targeted as the nation's number one pest. This paper examines anti-possum rhetoric in New Zealand, identifying the operation of several distinct—yet related—discourses negatively situating the possum as (a) an unwanted foreign invader and a threat to what makes New Zealand unique; (b) the subject of revenge and punishment (ergo the deserving recipient of exploitation and commodification); and (c) recognizably “cute, but...” merely a pest and therefore unworthy of compassion. This paper argues that the demonization of possums in New Zealand is overdetermined, extreme, and unhelpfully entangled in notions of patriotism and nationalism.
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Runcie, Myfanwy J. "Movements, dens and feeding behaviour of the tropical scaly-tailed possum (Wyulda squamicaudata)." Wildlife Research 26, no. 3 (1999): 367. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr98015.
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I used trapping and radio-telemetry to study a population of scaly-tailed possums (Wyulda squamicaudata) in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Radio-tracking of five adults over eight days provided detailed information on dens, and on size and shape of the home range, and facilitated nocturnal observations. W. squamicaudata used four different types of rock formations for diurnal dens: rockpiles, sunken rockpiles, large rock slabs and underground rock crevices. Radio-tagged possums of both sexes nested alone, used multiple dens and had overlapping home ranges. Both tagged and untagged possums appeared to be solitary and foraged alone. The average size of the home range was 1.0 ha (range 0.03–2.0 ha). Estimates of density ranged from 2.3 to 4.6 possums per hectare. Scaly-tailed possums fed on leaves of four species of trees (Xanthostemon eucalyptoides, X. paradoxus, Eucalyptus spp., and Planchonia careya) as well as the flowers and seeds of a perennial herb (Trachymere didiscordis). Feeding in trees is aided by the rough scaly tail, which sometimes supports the possum’s full body weight. At this study site W. squamicaudata is sympatric with the rock-haunting possum (Petropseudes dahli), and they may compete for food and den resources.
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Holland, O. J., P. E. Cowan, D. M. Gleeson, and L. W. Chamley. "413. Genetic diversity of the major histocompatibility complex and response to immunocontraceptives in the brushtail possum." Reproduction, Fertility and Development 20, no. 9 (2008): 93. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/srb08abs413.
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The brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) is a major invasive pest in New Zealand. One option for its control is the use of an immunocontraceptive vaccine, a method of fertility control that employs the immune system to attack reproductive cells or proteins. Initial trials of immunocontraceptive vaccines have shown individual variation in immune response. Concerns have been raised that the use of such a vaccine on wild populations could result in selection for possums that remain fertile because of low or no response, and subsequently negate the efficacy of the vaccine. Therefore, it is important to establish the basis of this variation. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is an important component of the immune system which influences the nature of immune responses. This study aimed to document genetic variation in MHC loci of New Zealand possums, and investigate whether there was a relationship between MHC haplotypes and individual immune responses to immunocontraceptive vaccines. We used known marsupial (possum, red-necked wallaby, tammar wallaby, opossum) MHC sequences to design PCR primers for possum MHC loci. The variability of these loci was screened in populations of possums from locations throughout New Zealand, and between individuals with known responses to immunocontraceptive vaccines. We identified 71 novel class I and class II MHC alleles and observed significant variation in allele identity and frequency between geographically separate possum populations in New Zealand. Comparisons of MHC haplotype and immunocontraceptive vaccine response showed that some of these alleles differ between high-responding and low-responding possums. The considerable variation we have found in the possum MHC, combined with differences in the occurrence of MHC genes at locations around New Zealand, provide a potential basis for the observed variability of individual possum's responses to immunocontraceptive vaccines.
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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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Thomas, M. D., F. W. Maddigan, J. A. Brown, and M. Trotter. "Optimising possum control using encapsulated cyanide (Feratoxreg;)." New Zealand Plant Protection 56 (August 1, 2003): 77–80. http://dx.doi.org/10.30843/nzpp.2003.56.6089.
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Feratoxreg; is an encapsulated cyanide product used extensively throughout New Zealand for possum control It has advantages of being lightweight and is not legally required to be checked daily as are leghold traps This study evaluated delivery methods for Feratoxreg; by comparing the number of possums killed by Feratoxreg; treatments with the number of possums killed by an industry accepted standard ie possum captures in leghold traps When Feratoxreg; was used in plastic bags coated with a rat repellent and fixed to wires located at 5 m spacings significantly less possums were killed than in traps However when applied in bait stations at 50 m intervals Feratoxreg; killed as many possums as traps especially when possums were prefed nontoxic bait Feratox was also as effective as traps when used in paper bags located on trees 20 m apart and used with a flour and icing sugar blaze This study suggests that Feratoxreg; can provide a more costeffective alternative to trapping in areas with low to medium possum densities
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Cook, Briar, and Nick Mulgan. "Targeted Mop up and Robust Response Tools Can Achieve and Maintain Possum Freedom on the Mainland." Animals 12, no. 7 (April 4, 2022): 921. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ani12070921.
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Unfenced sites on mainland New Zealand have long been considered impossible to defend from reinvasion by possums, and are thus unsuitable for eradication. In July 2019, we began eliminating possums from 11,642 ha (including approximately 8700 ha of suitable possum habitat) in South Westland, using alpine rivers and high alpine ranges to minimise reinvasion. Two aerial 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) applications, each with two pre-feeds, were used. Here, we detail the effort to mop up existing possums and subsequent invaders in the 13 months following the aerial operation. Possums were detected and caught using a motion-activated camera network, traps equipped with automated reporting and a possum search dog. The last probable survivor was eliminated on 29 June 2020, 11 months after the initial removal operation. Subsequently, possums entered the site at a rate of 4 per year. These were detected and removed using the same methods. The initial elimination cost NZD 163.75/ha and ongoing detection and response NZD 15.70/ha annually. We compare costs with possum eradications on islands and ongoing suppression on the mainland.
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Russell, Tracey Catherine, Ellen Geraghty, and Sarah Wilks. "Brushtail possums: do present law, policy and management approaches meet the needs of this species in all its contexts?" Australian Journal of Zoology 61, no. 1 (2013): 95. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo12125.
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Brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) have been variously described as endangered, pests, prized native wildlife and, recently, as a potential meat export. This article reports information on the increasing decline of the brushtail possum and on attitudes towards these animals. The ‘fit’ between values and attitudes and prevailing governance arrangements is assessed. While the range of this animal is certainly shrinking, areas do exist where the brushtail possum is present at high or very high densities. It is in these areas of high possum density (some urban areas and certain agricultural regions) that conflicts arise, both over the ‘identity’ of the brushtail possum and as to what would be appropriate management. It is argued that although brushtail possums enjoy significant legal protection, these provisions are treated as a nuisance to be circumvented by many residents in areas where possums are in high abundance. Existing policies on possum management somewhat unhelpfully focus attention on situations where possums are overabundant, thus overshadowing situations where active management of declining possum populations would be appropriate.
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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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Cown, PE, and DS Rhodes. "Restricting the movements of brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) on farmland with electric fencing." Wildlife Research 19, no. 1 (1992): 47. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9920047.
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A trial was conducted to test whether an electric fence would limit local movements of brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) on farmland in the central North I. of New Zealand. If effective, such a system could be used to reduce possum and cattle interactions and the spread of bovine tuberculosis. A 3-km-long, 9-strand electric fence was erected from ridge to ridge across a valley catchment of about 160 ha. Possums were live-trapped and released at bush patches within the study area and in open areas immediately adjacent to the electric fence. Only about 30% of possums caught at local bush patches were ever retrapped at the fence, and most were caught only once at the fence. About a third of possums caught at the fence were trapped at least once on both sides of the fence. The electric fence reduced possum movements through the fenced area by about 60-80%. Most possums trapped at the fence had come from bush patches within 200 m of the fence. When the fence was switched off, possum captures on the outside increased rapidly. The effectiveness of the fence was reduced because of frequent voltage reduction by earthing from a wide variety of causes, and because possums learned to move around the ends of the fence and the fences along the farm roads. Improvements to fence design are discussed.
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Morgan, D. R., and A. T. Rhodes. "Selectivity of Ferafeed paste bait treated with a rodent repellent a cage trial." New Zealand Plant Protection 53 (August 1, 2000): 316–20. http://dx.doi.org/10.30843/nzpp.2000.53.3702.
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FeraFeed is a nontoxic prefeed paste bait used in conjunction with Feratox cyanide capsules for the control of possums The selectivity of a formulation of FeraFeed containing a rodent repellent was tested in a cage trial with Norway rats and possums Rats were strongly discouraged from eating the material and yet readily consumed nontreated FeraFeed paste while possums were not deterred Incorporation of the repellent should therefore improve the costeffectiveness of using FeraFeed/Feratox in possum control Additionally use of FeraFeed/Feratox for monitoring possum populations may be improved by the reduced interference by rats
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BARRON, M. C., G. NUGENT, and M. L. CROSS. "Importance and mitigation of the risk of spillback transmission of Mycobacterium bovis infection for eradication of bovine tuberculosis from wildlife in New Zealand." Epidemiology and Infection 141, no. 7 (December 5, 2012): 1394–406. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0950268812002683.
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SUMMARYIntroduced brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) are wildlife maintenance hosts for Mycobacterium bovis in New Zealand, often living sympatrically with other potential hosts, including wild red deer (Cervus elaphus scoticus). Population control of possums has been predicted to eradicate tuberculosis (TB) from New Zealand wildlife; however, there is concern that long-lived M. bovis-infected deer could represent a ‘spillback’ risk for TB re-establishment (particularly when possum populations recover after cessation of intensive control). We constructed a time-, age- and sex-structured, deer/TB population generic model and simulated the outcomes of deer control on this potential spillback risk. Maintaining intensive possum control on a 5-year cycle, the predicted spillback risk period after TB eradication from possums is ∼7 years, while the probability of TB re-establishing in possums over that period is ∼6%. Additional targeted control of deer would reduce the risk period and probability of spillback; however, even with high population reductions (up to 80%) only modest decreases in risk and risk period would be achieved. We conclude that possum control alone remains the best strategy for achieving TB eradication from New Zealand habitats in which possums and wild deer are the main M. bovis hosts.
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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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Waudby, Helen P., and Sophie Petit. "Responses to a survey question on the distribution of western pygmy-possums (Cercartetus concinnus) on Yorke Peninsula, South Australia." Australian Mammalogy 34, no. 1 (2012): 83. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am11025.
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The western pygmy-possum (Cercartetus concinnus) is probably the last remaining small native ground-dwelling mammal on Yorke Peninsula. We surveyed 1013 Yorke Peninsula residents about the distribution of pygmy-possums on the peninsula. Thirteen of 296 respondents had seen pygmy-possums, none north of Minlaton. Two additional possum species had also been seen.
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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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Ross, J. G., G. J. Hickling, D. R. Morgan, and C. T. Eason. "The role of non-toxic prefeed and postfeed in the development and maintenance of 1080 bait shyness in captive brushtail possums." Wildlife Research 27, no. 1 (2000): 69. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr98029.
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Shyness to sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) in cereal bait can persist in sub-lethally poisoned possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) populations for at least 2 years. We investigated the use of non-toxic cereal ‘prefeed’ and ‘postfeed’ as ways of inhibiting and overcoming such shyness. The postfeed result was also compared with changing to a non-cereal, gel-based 1080 bait. Prefeeding had a significant effect on the number of possums that became ‘bait shy’ following an approximate LD20 1080 dose, with 97% of non-prefed possums developing an aversion to 1080 cereal bait compared with only 22% of prefed possums. In contrast, postfeeding with cereal was relatively ineffective in reducing the number of 1080 bait-shy possums, with mortality of these possums being 30% compared with 0% of non-postfed possums. In contrast, the gel 1080 bait killed 64% of 1080 cereal bait-shy possums. These results suggest that 1080 bait shyness can be markedly reduced by prefeeding non-toxic bait to possums prior to each control operation. However, this may not be the most cost-effective control option, given the observed efficacy of follow-up baiting with 1080 gel.
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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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Eason, CT, D. Batcheler, and CM Frampton. "Comparative Pharmacokinetics of Iophenoxic Acid in Cats and Brushtail Possums." Wildlife Research 21, no. 3 (1994): 377. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9940377.
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The comparative plasma pharmacokinetics of iophenoxic acid was studied in the cat and brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) to evaluate the suitability of this compound as a bait marker in these species. In cats, a mean peak plasma concentration of 946 micro g per 100 ml was obtained after administration of 1.5 mg/kg of iophenoxic acid. However, at the same dose level in possums, mean peak plasma concentration was only 157 micro g per 100 ml. Even after administration of 10 mg/kg of iophenoxic acid, the maximum peak plasma concentration in possums was only 459 micro g per 100 m/litre. The plasma elimination half-life for iophenoxic acid was 107 days in cats and close to one day in possums. Iophenoxic acid is therefore a suitable marker for cats but is unsuitable for use as a long-term or quantitative bait marker for possums. Differences between the possum and other mammals in gastrointestinal physiology and plasma protein configuration by account for the poor absorption and rapid elimination of iophenoxic acid in the possum.
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Pitman, Teresa. "The Possums Sleep Film." Clinical Lactation 9, no. 4 (November 2018): 212. http://dx.doi.org/10.1891/2158-0782.9.4.212.
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Jolly, S. E. "Biological control of possums." New Zealand Journal of Zoology 20, no. 4 (October 1993): 335–39. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03014223.1993.10420355.
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Sakaguchi, Ei, and Ian D. Hume. "Digesta retention and fibre digestion in brushtail possums, ringtail possums and rabbits." Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Physiology 96, no. 2 (January 1990): 351–54. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0300-9629(90)90704-v.
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Harris, PM, DW Dellow, and RB Broadhurst. "Protein and Energy Requirements and Deposition in the Growing Brushtail Possum and Rex Rabbit." Australian Journal of Zoology 33, no. 4 (1985): 425. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo9850425.
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Nitrogen and energy requirements of the growing brushtail possum Trichosurus vulpecula and the Rex rabbit were studied by means of growth, balance and calorimetry techniques in 2 trials. The maintenance requirements of apparently digestible N were estimated from balance as being 358 and 442 mg/kg0.75 daily for the possums and rabbit, respectively. The standard metabolic rates were 200 and 359 kJ/kg0.75 daily; requirements of apparently digestible energy for maintenance were 370 and 480 kJ/kg daily. The possums grew more slowly over the same weight range as the rabbits and deposited a greater proportion of their gain as fat. At the end of both trials the possums had a greater proportion of carcass fat than the rabbits, and both experimental groups of rabbits and possums were fatter than feral possums of the same weight.
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Littin, Kate E., Neville G. Gregory, Andrea T. Airey, Charles T. Eason, and David J. Mellor. "Behaviour and time to unconsciousness of brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) after a lethal or sublethal dose of 1080." Wildlife Research 36, no. 8 (2009): 709. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr09009.
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Context. Sodium fluoroacetate (1080) is a vertebrate pesticide used in several countries, including New Zealand, where it is the main pesticide for controlling brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) – a significant agricultural and conservation pest. There is growing concern internationally about the impacts of vertebrate pesticides, including 1080, on pest animal welfare. Aims. Behavioural changes and time to loss of consciousness of possums after 1080 ingestion in carrot baits were determined to compare the animal welfare impacts with other possum pesticides. Methods. Eight lethally dosed possums and eight that consumed a dose intended to be sublethal were observed until death or recovery but not handled. Another nine lethally dosed possums were handled to determine responses to stimuli, indicating time to loss of consciousness. Key results. Unhandled, lethally dosed possums died after 11 h 26 min ± 1 h 55 min (mean ± s.e.m.). Half had abnormal appearances and postures 1 h 50 min ± 9 min after consuming baits. Seven showed retching, and three vomited, over 27 ± 12 min from 2 h 53 min ± 13 min. Lack of coordination began 3 h 37 min ± 32 min after dosing, then possums spent most of the time until death lying, showing spasms and tremors. Five showed seizures while lying prostrate. Possums receiving a nominally sublethal dose all showed signs of poisoning, including abnormal postures, lethargy, lack coordination, retching, spasms or tremors, and a cessation of grooming, feeding and activity. One died 18 h 15 min after dosing, experiencing two seizures within 30 min of death. Response to handling, indicating total loss of consciousness, was lost in two possums before death. Conclusions. Possums ingesting a lethal dose of 1080 experienced ~9.5 h of changed behaviour and lost consciousness close to death, although awareness was likely reduced sometime beforehand. Possums ingesting a nominally sublethal dose experienced some effects of poisoning. Implications. These impacts are intermediate compared with other possum pesticides in New Zealand. Nevertheless, the potential for consciousness during and after retching and seizures is undesirable for animal welfare. Further work is encouraged on alternatives to 1080 and means of reducing its impact on animal welfare.
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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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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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Chand, Ravneel R., Mhairi Nimick, Belinda Cridge, and Rhonda J. Rosengren. "Investigating the Contribution of Major Drug-Metabolising Enzymes to Possum-Specific Fertility Control." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 24, no. 11 (May 29, 2023): 9424. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijms24119424.
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The potential to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of potential oestrogen-based oral contraceptives (fertility control) for possums was investigated by comparing the inhibitory potential of hepatic CYP3A and UGT2B catalytic activity using a selected compound library (CYP450 inhibitor-based compounds) in possums to that of three other species (mouse, avian, and human). The results showed higher CYP3A protein levels in possum liver microsomes compared to other test species (up to a 4-fold difference). Moreover, possum liver microsomes had significantly higher basal p-nitrophenol glucuronidation activity than other test species (up to an 8-fold difference). However, no CYP450 inhibitor-based compounds significantly decreased the catalytic activity of possum CYP3A and UGT2B below the estimated IC50 and 2-fold IC50 values and were therefore not considered to be potent inhibitors of these enzymes. However, compounds such as isosilybin (65%), ketoconazole (72%), and fluconazole (74%) showed reduced UGT2B glucuronidation activity in possums, mainly at 2-fold IC50 values compared to the control (p < 0.05). Given the structural features of these compounds, these results could provide opportunities for future compound screening. More importantly, however, this study provided preliminary evidence that the basal activity and protein content of two major drug-metabolising enzymes differ in possums compared to other test species, suggesting that this could be further exploited to reach the ultimate goal: a potential target-specific fertility control for possums in New Zealand.
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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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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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Eason, CT, and SE Jolly. "Anticoagulant Effects of Pindone in the Rabbit and Australian Bushtail Possum." Wildlife Research 20, no. 3 (1993): 371. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9930371.
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The anticoagulant and toxic effect of the rodenticide pindone were compared in the rabbit and the Australian brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). Six possums and six rabbits were dosed orally with 25mg kg-1 pindone, and another five possums were dosed with 100mg kg-1 pindone. Blood samples were taken before dosing and 6 days after dosing. In rabbits, the mean haematocrit was reduced from 0.41 to 0.14, the one-stage prothrombin time increased from 7.1 to more than 120 s, and activated partial prothrombin time increased from 26.1 to more than 180 s. These parameters were unchanged in the possums that received 25mg kg-1. In possums that received 100mg kg-1 the one-stage prothrombin time increased from 41.9 to 80.0 s and the activated partial prothrombin time increased from 30.2 to 103.9 s. The haematocrit was unchanged. Half the rabbits died with extensive haemorrhaging within 6 days, but there was no haemorrhaging or mortality in the possums in either dose group.
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Richardson, K. S., C. Rouco, C. Jewell, N. P. French, B. M. Buddle, and D. M. Tompkins. "Investigating brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) home-range size determinants in a New Zealand native forest." Wildlife Research 44, no. 4 (2017): 316. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr16215.
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Context The Australian brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) introduction to New Zealand has exacted a heavy toll on native biodiversity and presented the country with its greatest wildlife reservoir host for bovine tuberculosis (TB). Management efforts to control both possums and TB have been ongoing for decades, and the biology of possums has been studied extensively in Australia and New Zealand over the past 50 years; however, we still do not have a clear understanding of its home-range dynamics. Aims To investigate determinants of home range size by using a uniquely large dataset in the Orongorongo Valley, a highly monitored research area in New Zealand and compare our findings with those of other studies. Methods Possum density was estimated, for subpopulations on four 13-ha cage-trap grids, by the spatially explicit capture–mark–recapture analysis of trapping data from 10 consecutive months. Home ranges were estimated from trap locations using a 100% minimum convex polygon (MCP) method for 348 individuals and analysed with respect to grid, age and sex. Key results Mean (standard error) possum density, estimated as 4.87 (0.19), 6.92 (0.29), 4.08 (0.21) and 4.20 (0.19) ha–1 for the four grids, was significantly negatively correlated with mean MCP home-range size. Grid, age, and the interaction of age and sex were significantly related to home-range size. Older possums had larger home ranges than did younger possums. When ‘juvenile cohort’ and ‘adult cohort’ data were analysed separately, to investigate the significant interaction, males in the ‘adult cohort’ had significantly larger home ranges than did females, with the grid effect still being apparent, whereas neither sex nor grid effects were significant for the ‘juvenile cohort’. Conclusions Our findings indicate that, in addition to density, age and sex are likely to be consistent determinants of possum home-range size, but their influences may be masked in some studies by the complexity of wild-population dynamics. Implications Our findings have strong implications regarding both disease transmission among possums and possum management. The fact that adult males occupy larger home ranges and the understanding that possum home range increases as population density decreases are an indication that males may be the primary drivers of disease transmission in possum populations. The understanding that possum home range increases as population density decreases could be a direct reflection of the ability of TB to persist in the wild that counteracts current management procedures. If individuals, and particularly males, infected with TB can withstand control measures, their ensuing home-range expansion will result in possible bacteria spread in both the expanded area of habitation and new individuals becoming subjected to infection (both immigrant possums and other control survivors). Therefore, managers should consider potential approaches for luring possum males in control operations.
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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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O'Keefe, J. S., W. L. Stanislawek, and D. D. Heath. "Pathological studies of wobbly possum disease in New Zealand brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula)." Veterinary Record 141, no. 9 (August 30, 1997): 226–29. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/vr.141.9.226.
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Day, Ashleigh M. "Performance, Possums, and Photo-Ops, Too: Marginalizing Binaries at the Wausau Possum Festival." Western Journal of Communication 82, no. 5 (January 5, 2018): 595–612. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10570314.2017.1416489.
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Hermsen, Eden, Anne Kerle, and Julie M. Old. "Diet of an inland population of the common ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus)." Australian Mammalogy 38, no. 1 (2016): 130. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am15008.
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Populations of the common ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus) in inland New South Wales have declined or disappeared. Habitat requirements and diet of these populations are poorly understood. Determining the diet of inland ringtail possums is crucial to understanding the factors limiting their survival, and was the focus of this study. Spotlighting surveys were conducted to locate ringtail possums, and scat and vegetation samples were collected for microhistological analysis. Ringtail possums were most frequently observed in red stringybark followed by bundy box and black cypress pine trees, and this correlated with the most common dietary items consumed.
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Dix, ID, SE Jolly, LS Bufton, and AI Gardiner. "The potential of electric shock for humane trapping of brushtail possums, Trichosurus vulpecula." Wildlife Research 21, no. 1 (1994): 49. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9940049.
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The Australian brushtail possum is a major pest in New Zealand, and a device to kill possums in the wild by electric shock has been proposed. This investigation was to determine the best waveform and energy level for an electric device to humanely kill possums. The criterion set was a shock which would cause ventricular fibrillation and result in irreversible unconsciousness within a few minutes. Anaesthetised possums were shocked with sinusoidal alternating currents, direct current bursts and impulse waveforms of varying intensities and durations. An electrocardiogram was used to monitor the cardiac response. Although sinusoidal waveforms of a long duration did disrupt the heartbeat and might result in death, even shocks of very high energy levels did not consistently result in ventricular fibrillation. The use of electricity to trap and kill possums appears unacceptable on humanitarian grounds.
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Cowan, PE. "Possum biocontrol: prospects for fertility regulation." Reproduction, Fertility and Development 8, no. 4 (1996): 655. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rd9960655.
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Research has begun recently into biocontrol of brushtail possums as the only long-term, cost-effective solution to the possum problem in New Zealand, where possums cause significant damage to native forests, threaten populations of native plants and animals, and infect cattle and deer with bovine tuberculosis. Fertility regulation as a means of biocontrol has the support of major animal welfare and conservation groups in New Zealand. Systems are being investigated, mostly in reproduction and development, with the ultimate aim of developing immunologically-based fertility regulation (immunocontraception), but much basic information essential to such an approach for possums is lacking. The key components for the success of this approach--suitable vectors expressing possum-specific reproductive antigens sufficiently to block reproduction--are reviewed. The social and political issues of local, national and international risk and acceptability arising from such an approach are also discussed.
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Moss, Zane N., Cheryl E. O'Connor, and Graham J. Hickling. "Implications of prefeeding for the development of bait aversions in brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula)." Wildlife Research 25, no. 2 (1998): 133. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr97018.
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Development of aversions, or learned ‘bait-shyness’, in frequently poisoned possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) populations is becoming increasingly detrimental to the efficacy of pest-control operations in New Zealand. This experiment aimed to identify the effects of prefeeding, a common management procedure, on the subsequent development of aversions in possums. Wild possums (n = 96) were captured and acclimatised, then allocated to one of three treatments groups that for seven days received either (i) no prefeed, (ii) plain RS5 cereal baits, or (iii) green-dyed and cinnamon-lured RS5 cereal baits. The possums were then offered a standard green-dyed and cinnamon-lured RS5 bait that contained a sublethal dose (0.4 mg kg-1) of the toxin sodium monofluoroacetate (1080). The possums were tested for development of an aversion towards a toxic RS5 1080 bait, a prefeed bait, and a prefeed bait containing an alternative toxin, brodifacoum. Most (96%) of the non-prefed possums became averse to the 1080 bait after two exposures, compared with only 55% and 9% of the two prefed groups. Similarly, 90% and 92% of the non-prefed possums were averse to prefeed and brodifacoum baits, respectively, compared with 8% and 14% of the prefed possums. This suggests that pest managers can reduce the risk of ‘bait shyness’ by prefeeding. A further advantage of prefeeding is that if poison shyness develops, use of an alternative toxin such as brodifacoum in the original bait base may still be successful.
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Cowan, Phil, and Guy Forrester. "Behavioural responses of brushtail possums to live trapping and implications for trap-catch correction." Wildlife Research 39, no. 4 (2012): 343. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr11127.
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Context The behavioural response of animals to repeated trapping has implications for correction of population and monitoring indices that use catch per unit effort. Failure to account for sprung traps introduces biases into estimates of relative abundance. The time when animals get caught in live traps is often ignored, but it can provide important information about temporal movement patterns relevant to this issue. Aims We assessed changes in the behaviour of brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula), a nocturnal marsupial, in response to repeated trapping and evaluated the potential benefit of correcting a commonly used index of abundance by using time-of-capture information. Methods Possums were live-trapped for three nights each month over a 20-month period in baited cage traps in a 6-ha area of native lowland forest in the southern North Island, New Zealand. Trapped possums were individually identified on first capture. Timing devices were attached to the traps to measure how long after sunset traps were sprung and how that time related to the duration of the trap-night (sunset to sunrise). Key results Possums were trapped, on average, ~1.25 h after sunset. Traps triggered other than by possums were sprung on average 1–2 h later. Possums caught on the first night of a trapping session were caught significantly earlier than those caught on subsequent nights. Previous capture influenced the time of subsequent capture in a trapping session in complex ways, and recapture times were generally earlier than times of first capture. Possums were captured, on average, after 11% of the duration of a trap-night and traps were triggered by animals other than possums, on average, after 22% of the duration of a trap-night. Conclusions The data on time of capture of possums and triggering of sprung traps suggested a need to alter the commonly used correction factor for population indices for possums, because, on average, traps were sprung for significantly more of each trapping interval (i.e. trap-night) than the half a trap-night assumed in the correction factor. Implications Better understanding of possum foraging behaviour is a key to more effective control using traps. In that context, more research is needed to understand the reasons for individual differences in trappability. Although it is theoretically desirable to account for sprung traps when trapping is used to index populations, to reduce biases in estimates of relative abundance, correction of the standardised residual trap-catch index for possums is probably unimportant in practical terms, because most possum control reduces numbers to levels (2–5% trap catch) at which correction of the index is unimportant. The principal exception to this is likely to be when there is a high level of non-target interference from rodents.
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Rouco, C., C. Jewell, K. S. Richardson, N. P. French, B. M. Buddle, and D. M. Tompkins. "Brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) social interactions and their implications for bovine tuberculosis epidemiology." Behaviour 155, no. 7-9 (2018): 621–37. http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1568539x-00003512.
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Abstract The brushtail possum is the main reservoir of bovine tuberculosis in New Zealand. Disease prevalence is generally higher in males than in females. This has conventionally been assumed due to greater infection rates of males, but recent work has raised the hypothesis that it may instead be driven by survival differences. With bovine tuberculosis transmission among possums most likely occurring between individuals in close proximity, here we analyse social networks built on data from wild possums collared with contact loggers inhabiting a native New Zealand forest, to investigate whether there is mechanistic support for higher male infection rates. Our results revealed that adult female possums were generally just as connected with adult male possums as other adult males are, with male–female connection patterns not being significantly different. This result suggest that the new ‘survivorship’ hypothesis for the sex bias is more likely than the conventional ‘infection rate’ hypothesis.
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Pech, R., A. Byrom, D. Anderson, C. Thomson, and M. Coleman. "The effect of poisoned and notional vaccinated buffers on possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) movements: minimising the risk of bovine tuberculosis spread from forest to farmland." Wildlife Research 37, no. 4 (2010): 283. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr09161.
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Context. Vaccination of brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) has been proposed as a cost-effective alternative to lethal control for preventing potentially bovine tuberculosis (Tb)-infected possums from crossing forested buffer zones that abut farmland. Aim. Evaluation of these two management option requires an estimation of the buffer width required to reduce the risk of disease spread to an acceptable level. Methods. The movements of two groups of adult and subadult possums were monitored for up to 12 months in the Kaimanawa Range, North Island of New Zealand, using GPS technology. One group was in untreated forest immediately adjacent to a recently poisoned forest buffer, and the second group was 2 km further into untreated forest, which mimicked a vaccinated buffer with no reduction in possum abundance. Key results. Close to the poisoned buffer, where the initial population density was 0.49–1.45 ha–1, adult possum home ranges averaged 10.2 ha in the summer immediately after control and 9.5 ha in the following winter. Two kilometres into the untreated forest, where the density was >3 ha–1, the corresponding values were only 3.5 ha and 2.8 ha. Over the first 6 months of monitoring, a ~350-m wide poisoned buffer would have contained 95% of movements by adult possums, as well as movements by most individuals, but a ~150-m wide vaccinated buffer would have been as effective. Equivalent results for the subsequent 6-month period were ~450 m and ~200 m for poisoned and vaccinated buffers, respectively. Movements by possums were not biased in the direction of the population ‘vacuum’ created by the poisoning operation. When subadult possums were included in the analysis, buffer widths of ~500–600 m for both poisoning and vaccination would be required to contain 95% of new den site locations. Conclusions and implications. Detailed data on possum movements provide a means for agencies managing Tb to specify the width of a buffer, subject to an acceptable level of risk that it could be breached by a potentially infected possum. As well as depending on the width of a treated buffer, the final cost-effectiveness of vaccination compared with poisoning will depend on the relative cost of applying the two control techniques, and the frequency of application required either to prevent Tb from establishing (in the case of vaccination) or to suppress possum density (in the case of lethal control).
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Clarke, Paul S. "Allergy to brush‐tailed possums." Medical Journal of Australia 145, no. 11-12 (December 1986): 658–59. http://dx.doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.1986.tb139541.x.
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Schwab, I. R. "A tale of two possums." British Journal of Ophthalmology 90, no. 10 (July 26, 2006): 1224. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjo.2006.097675.
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Fink, Lyndsay. "Native Australian Mammals Possums (xiii)." Ballarat Naturalist (1993:May) (May 1993): 8. http://dx.doi.org/10.5962/p.384201.
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Dundas, Shannon J., Giles E. St J. Hardy, and Patricia A. Fleming. "The plant pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi influences habitat use by the obligate nectarivore honey possum (Tarsipes rostratus)." Australian Journal of Zoology 64, no. 2 (2016): 122. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo16019.
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Introduced plant pathogens can devastate susceptible plant communities, and consequently impact on animal communities reliant on plants for food and habitat. Specifically, plant pathogens change the floristic diversity of vegetation communities, thereby reducing availability of food sources for fauna (e.g. pollen and nectar) and result in major changes to habitat structure when canopy and understorey plant species succumb to disease. Phytophthora cinnamomi poses a threat to flowering plant species (e.g. Banksia species) which are important food sources for nectarivorous fauna. The honey possum (Tarsipes rostratus) is the only obligate nectarivorous non-flying mammal living on a restrictive diet of nectar and pollen; consequently, these tiny mammals are likely to be particularly vulnerable to the landscape-wide devastation caused by P. cinnamomi. We investigated habitat selection by honey possums in a vegetation community infested with P. cinnamomi to determine how these mammals respond to habitat affected by this pathogen. Over four seasons, 18 honey possums were fitted with radio-transmitters and tracked to identify habitat preferences. Vegetation surveys were compared for locations selected by honey possums (as determined from tracking) and randomly selected sites. Radio-tracking revealed that sites selected by honey possums were significantly taller, denser, and more floristically diverse than their paired random locations. The presence of P. cinnamomi influences habitat use by honey possums, but animals show resilience in terms of using the best of what is available in both P. cinnamomi–affected and unaffected locations. Habitat patches comprising less susceptible species, or plants that have yet to succumb to infection, provide refuge and food resources for honey possums. Management to reduce the spread of existing P. cinnamomi infestations and prevent contamination of new locations will benefit vegetation communities and associated faunal communities, while identifying honey possum food plant species that are resilient to the pathogen may support revegetation attempts.
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Cameron, Kristie E., Lewis A. Bizo, and Nicola J. Starkey. "A small-N study of body weight during free-feeding in the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)." Perspectives in Animal Health and Welfare 1, no. 1 (December 8, 2022): 19–27. http://dx.doi.org/10.34074/piahw.001103.
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Animals in captivity can develop physiological characteristics such as obesity that could negatively affect their health. In the captive brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), it is unknown what effect long-term free-feeding has on body weight. In this study, which took place over 12 months, three possums were fed according to a free-feeding regime. Food intake was measured daily, and the possums were weighed every four days. The possums all gained weight but showed bouts of stable body weights across the year. Stability was evaluated using mathematical models. It was concluded that long-term free-feeding is not recommended for animals-in-waiting for use in operant experiments to mitigate weight gain due to overeating.