Spatial ecology of urban possums in Dunedin

Dave Latham, Peter Sweetapple, Cecilia Latham, Deb Wilson and team.

How do possums behave in an urban environment? A new research project by Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research aims to find out, informing our approach to trapping in backyards and reserves.

The behaviour of possums in urban areas may be different from possums in the wild. The habitat structure is different and the presence of gardens, houses and roads means there is different food and shelter available.

The study uses GPS collars and trail cameras to measure possum movements, behaviour at traps used to control possums, movement corridors, and fine-scale habitat use in urban areas.

Media

Let’s see where you’re going (Otago Daily Times, 23 June 2021).