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

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

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

Possum - Image

Possum at AgResearch

Location: Focus Stories > Biological control of possums > Images

Biocontrol in NZ - Poll

A poll about biocontrol.

Location: News and Events > Poll > Poll Archive

Biological control of possums - Focus Story

Possums are one of New Zealand's biggest pests. Currently they are controlled by poisoning and trapping, but this is expensive and ongoing. Biological control has the potential to provide novel ways to control possums, and combined with conventional control methods, may offer more sustainable solutions.

Location: Focus Stories

Possum trap - Image

This shows a possum trap. There is bait inside and a large spring lever that rapidly breaks the possum's neck.

Location: Focus Stories > Biological control of possums > Images