Possum Information Sheets & Manuals

The following information sheets are available for download:

Biological control of possums

Poster describing why and how biological control of possums in New Zealand is taking place.

Check out The Brushtail Possum bookThe Brushtail Possum book

Textbook summarising the research and knowledge about possums in New Zealand to the end of the 20th century. Free samples are available of Preliminary pages (Foreword & Editor's Introduction), Editor's Conclusion, the Foreword by the Hon. Simon Upton, the Contents page, and list of Contributors.


Kararehe Kino/ Vertebrate Pest Research Newsletter

A newsletter that covers the progress and outcomes of our research on vertebrate pests.
Previous issues »

Technical review of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) toxicology

A significant review on the vertebrate pesticide 1080, that provides an up-to-date summary and key working document for all operators directly or indirectly involved or interested in the application of 1080 baits for the management of vertebrate pests.

This work, written by Dr Charles Eason in 2002 for the Animal Health Board (AHB), pulls together early and recent information on the toxicological features of 1080, including its toxic effects, rate of breakdown, use by pest managers, effect on and relative susceptibility of target and non-target species, and effectiveness compared with other toxins for use in possum management.

The publication is available for download (168K PDF file),

or in booklet form, free of charge, from

Nick Hancox
Communications Manager
Animal Health Board
PO Box 3412
Wellington.

Manuals

Manual of best practice for ground control of possums PDF file (533KB)

A review of current best practice for use of toxic bait and traps in ground-based control of possums was carried out by Landcare Research, Lincoln, for the Animal Health Board (R10475), from November 1998 to June 1999.

Avoiding Bait Shyness in Possums by Improved Bait Standards (8 page summary only) MS Word icon (28KB)

This study aimed to identify factors that cause possums to eat sublethal amounts of bait, with a view to recommending improved specifications for baits used during possum control. The work was done by Landcare Research and Lincoln University during 1997-1998 under contract R1457 to the Animal Health Board.

The full report is available from the Landcare Research Library at a cost of $14.00. Contact:

Landcare Research Library

Postal Address: Library
Landcare Research
PO Box 40
Lincoln 7640
Canterbury
NEW ZEALAND

Phone : 03 321 9650

Fax : 03 321 9998

EmailSend email to Library

See also information about Landcare Research's work on possums in New Zealand.