NEW ZEALAND POSSUMS

ELEMENTARY

NEW ZEALAND POSSUM KEY FACTS

Name: The Bushtail Possum (Trichosurus Vulpecula)

Origin: Australia Introduced to NZ in 1858

Length: 50cm long Colour: Grey, Brown Weight: 3~4 KG Lifespan: 8~9 years Features

Sharp ClawBushy TailPouch similar to Kangaroo

NEW ZEALAND POSSUM HABITAT

Nocturnal- feed at night and active at night

Dislike Rain Forest Under the house

ENVIRONMENT IMPACT AND THREATS

Fast growing population

Current estimated population70 million

Food8 million tonnes vegetation annually

ENVIRONMENT IMPACT AND THREATS

New Zealand Native FlowersPohutukawa Tree (New Zealand Christmas

Tree) Fruit

Kaikomako Berries

Birds and Small AnimalsKiwi BirdsBats and Nests

PEST CONTROL

TrapsCan Protect small animals and birds

Poisons

Fur Product