Why Are possums Pests?
Introduction Possums were introduced into New Zealand from Australia in 1837 to establish a fur industry. Liberation and dispersal within New Zealand was influenced by public attitudes and government policy at the time. Due to a plentiful food source and a lack of predator’s possums adapted successfully to a wide range of New Zealand habitats. Possum Possums consume woody plant species, shrubs and grasses. They will selectively feed on new shoots and leaves, eventually killing a tree. This results in permanent changes to the forest composition. They can also cause considerable destruction in nurseries, orchards and home gardens. Continued possum damage and predation to New Zealand’s native flora and fauna is threatening some species. They are also in direct competition for food with some of our native birds, including the Kaka, Kereru and Tui. They prey on nests, eating both eggs and young chicks. Possums carry Bovine Tuberculosis (Tb), a disease effecting cattle and deer. Bovine Tb ca
