The Ecology and Management of 'Trichosurus' Species (Marsupialia) in N.S.W.

Abstract

The aim of the research was to determine the ecology of the brush-tailed possum 'Trichosurus vulpecula', and the mountain possum 'T. caninus', and to permit their management in pine plantations in such a way that these indigenous species were not threatened and that the pine plantings were safe from possum attack. The study was conducted along three complementary approaches between 1967 and 1972. From a review of literature on possum damage, from a questionnaire and from surveys of damaged areas, the distribution, extent, significance and type of damage attributable to 'Trichosurus' species in pine plantations was determined. From a capture-recapture programme at Clouds Creek in north-eastern N.S.W. and caged studies at Armidale, the structure and function were determined for populations of both species. An assessment was made on the effects of perturbations on populations of these species for their possible assistance in formulating effective management procedures.