Possum
Possum
Family: Phalangeridae, Pseudocheiridae, Petauridae
Scientific names: Trichosurus vulpecular arnhemensis (Northern brushtail possum), Trichosurus vulpecular (Common brushtail possum), Petropseudes dahli (Rock ringtail possum), Petaurus breviceps ariel (Sugar glider)
Possums in the Environment
There are four species of possum found throughout the Northern Territory, however, humans will typically encounter the Northern brushtail possum, as this is more likely to tolerate close proximity to humans. The Rock ringtail possum and Sugar glider are less commonly encountered throughout urban environments in the Top End. The Common brushtail possum is the only species found in Central Australia and, despite its name, is rare throughout this region.
Northern brushtail possums have adapted well to living in close proximity to humans, and are one of few native animals that will live and breed in the urban environment. Brushtails are commonly found in suburban areas throughout the Top End, including Darwin and Katherine. Breeding occurs throughout the year when food is plentiful and young emerge after spending 4-5 months in the female’s pouch.
Possums are important pollinators and seed dispersers for a range of native plants and flowers.
Feeding
Possums emerge from their shelters each night to feed on the leaves, flowers and fruits of Ironwoods, wattles and melaleucas. In urban areas, possums will also feed on fruit trees and other introduced garden plants. Possums will also scavenge from bins, compost heaps and pet food bowls if allowed.
Threats
The Northern brushtail possum is common in rural and urban fringe areas and is one of the few mammal species in Australia that has successfully adapted to urban environments. However, urban possums often fall victim to cat and dog attacks, car strikes and poisoning from rodent baits.
Interactions With People
In areas occupied by humans, possums take advantage of reliable food supplies, protected nesting sites and well irrigated habitats. Living with possums can be problematic, especially when they move into house roofs. Brushtails often utilise rooftops as places to shelter and breed because suitable natural tree hollows are unavailable in urban areas. Possums can also cause damage to gardens and fruit orchards, particularly when natural food sources are scarce.
Possums communicate by sound and scent. Sharp hisses and deep coughs are often used, particularly during breeding, which can occur year round and cause considerable disturbance.
What You Can Do
If you have problems possums in your area there are a number of things that you can try to reduce these problems:
- Trapping and relocating problematic possums is often ineffective and not recommended. Studies have shown that animals that are captured and relocated to another area will often perish from stress or predation by other animals because the territory is unfamiliar. If you have a possum in your roof, it is recommended that you trap the animal to remove it, block the hole in the roof, and then release the possum back onto your property. This is the most humane way of dealing with a problem animal and as long as the hole in the roof is suitably blocked, should prevent the possum from continuing its nuisance behaviour.
- Before taking any measures to deter or move possums from an area a substitute possum box should be installed.
- Once you have ensured all possums have been vacated, block all entry/exit points in your roof and house. This activity should be carried out during the night, when possums will be outside feeding. Release the trapped possum back onto your property – this is where it will have the best chance of surviving.
- Do not feed possums and ensure all bins are fitted with secure lids.
- Apply scent deterrents, such as disinfectants or naphthalene.
- Install sensor or flood lights in affected areas in your backyard to deter possums. This method can also be used in roof cavities, as possums will typically only shelter in dark undisturbed areas.
- Restrict movement of your dog and/or cat during the night.
- Possums are highly territorial and removing a possum will only be temporarily, as new possums will quickly move into the vacated territory.
Possums are a protected species in the Northern Territory. For this reason, it is important that members of the public do not interfere with these animals without an appropriate permit.