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Possum Relocation
Trapping and relocation of problem possums was standard practice for Melbourne residents for many years and was permitted by the State wildlife authority. Relocation of possums meant in some cases relocation of problems. For example, many possums were dumped in the Royal Botanic Gardens and this led to increased browsing of plants and the need to take action to reduce possum numbers. Also, removal of possums was a poor solution to a problem, as another possum very often replaced the one removed within a short time. Out of concern that relocated possums may suffer, the then Department of Conservation and Natural Resources encouraged Deakin University to study the fate of relocated Common Brushtail Possums.
Possum Relocation Study
A study by Deakin University in Melbourne (Pietsch 1994) has shown that most relocated Common Brushtail Possums die in stressful circumstances soon after release. As part of the study, resident possums in a proposed release area were observed over 13 weeks. During this time, no possum carcasses, partial remains, or patches of fur were found. After the release of relocated urban possums in the same area, researchers recorded numerous patches of possum fur and the remains of eight possums most apparently killed by foxes.
Another 12 possums fitted with radio collars were released, but only two were alive after 10 weeks. Seven had died within the first week. Four had been killed by predators, probably foxes; two died of stress-related causes; and one was hit by a car. Two of the collared possums could not be found-their radios went off air prematurely.
The Deakin study showed that relocated possums spent significantly more time on the ground than resident animals, and 68 percent of their dens were on or under the ground during the fist week after release. (Brushtail Possums rarely sleep at ground level under normal circumstances.) Contrary to popular belief, there was no evidence of any homing tendency in the released animals. Dispersal was in random directions. Similar studies of Common Ringtail Possums in Victoria and New South Wales have mirrored the Deakin results. Clearly, relocation is not a humane way of dealing with the problem.
Reference
Pietsch, R.S. 1994. The fate of urban Common Brushtail Possums translocated to sclerophyll forest. in Serena, M. (ed.) Reintroduction biology of Australian and New Zealand Fauna. Surrey Beatty & Sons, Chipping Norton.
As a result of the findings of the Deakin University study, the Department drafted a Governor in Council Order that prohibits the relocation of possums.
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