Making a case for possum biocontrol - Unit Plan

Students collect information from the public about methods of controlling possum numbers and then present a report on the use of biocontrol.

Location: Focus Stories > Biological control of possums

Possum Fertility Control - Interactive

Try feeding possums with different baits and amounts of toxin and test their urine to see which combination is best at controlling possum fertility.

Location: Focus Stories > Biological control of possums

The possum population - Did You Know

It is estimated that the New Zealand possum population now tops 75 million and chomps its way through about seven million tonnes of vegetation per year.

Location: Focus Stories > Biological control of possums > Did You Know

Using a worm to reduce possum numbers - Video Conference

A parasitic worm that naturally infects possums could be the key to controlling possum numbers in New Zealand.

Location: About Biotech > Biotech in Schools > Video Conferences

Where is the biotechnology in the possum biocontrol story? - Info Sheet

Biological control, or biocontrol, is the use of a living organism, or the product of a living organism, to control the numbers of another organism, usually a pest. The potential advantages of biocontrol methods are that they are (a) sustainable and (b) very specific to the species being controlled.

Location: Focus Stories > Biological control of possums

Possum - Image

Possum at AgResearch

Location: Focus Stories > Biological control of possums > Images

Possums spread bovineTB - Did You Know

Possums spread bovine tuberculosis to cattle.

Location: Focus Stories > Biological control of possums > Did You Know

Possums eat a lot - Did You Know

Possums in New Zealand consume 21,000 tonnes of green matter every 24 hours. This is the equivalent to a big container ship full of leaves, young shoots, berries and flowers.

Location: Focus Stories > Biological control of possums > Did You Know

Biocontrol in NZ - Poll

A poll about biocontrol.

Location: News and Events > Poll > Poll Archive

Possum closeup - Image

Possum closeup

Location: Focus Stories > Biological control of possums > Images