What do Dunedin residents think of possum control?

Geoff Kaine and Nick Kirk

Achieving a Predator Free Dunedin will take a whole-of-community approach. But what do people in urban areas think about possum control?

Research from Manaaki Whenua shows there is widespread support for possum trapping in Dunedin and residents would support a policy to eradicate possums in urban areas.

85 per cent of people believe possum populations should be reduced to protect native birds and wildlife, as well as native plants and forests. They also believe possums damage gardens, buildings and equipment, and are a risk to health.

Motivations for support range from concerns for the environment, their health and that of their families, and the potential for possums to damage property and gardens.

Overall, it found people are more likely to participate when a programme is easy to join with inexpensive traps that are easy to maintain.