Possums Research Paper

The possums (The Australian Brushtail Possum) were first introduced to New Zealand in year 1837 for trades for their fur, meat and leather. Their fur is used to make human necessities such as gloves, hats and clothes when combined with merino wool. The possums are an important native species in Australia. In New Zealand however, they have become a huge pest, destroying our native forests and trees including Pohutukawa, Rata, Kohekohe and Kamahi. The possums have a huge appetite, not only do they destroy our native forests; they also consume flowers and seeds, stopping the regeneration of trees which would later form into a forests. They eat eggs, chicks, food that birds require to survive and even the native birds themselves. They consume pasture, …show more content…
The poison occurs naturally as toxic (Fluoroacetate) within plants located in South Africa, South America and Australia. 1080 poison has been used in New Zealand for the control of mammal pests ever since the 1950’s, but it can also affect other animals. The US uses 1080 for the conservation of their sheep and goats from pests such as Coyotes, while in Australia, it is used to control pests including rabbits, foxes and wild dogs. From 2002 - 2003, New Zealand had the highest usage of 1080 of 80% ( Approx 2.3 tonnes of powder), this includes countries from all over the globe. Since possums are the main carriers of the Bovine Tuberculosis disease, they can pass it on to other animals if they come in contact; this is a serious threat to our cattle and deer and many other native animals. The use of the 1080 poison can reduce the possum numbers, which decreases the chances of contact between them and our valuable animals (cattle, deer), therefore decreasing the chances of the possums spreading the Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) disease. This ultimately leads to a higher conservation rate of our native animals and the decreased rate of infestation of …show more content…
One is Biodegradation by microorganisms and dilution. The biodegradation for 1080 varies depending on the temperature of the soil, the amount of Bacteria / Micro-organisms present, and the amount of times it rains. In proper conditions, 1080 should be broken down in approximately 1-2 weeks. These conditions include soil temperature between 11 - 23 degrees celsius, and the moisture of the soil needs to be around 8 - 15%. However if temperatures aren’t very favourable (Extremely cold / dry conditions), 1080 may persist within the environment or baits for several