LIVING WITH POSSUMS

A new management strategy will offer guidance and advice for householders on how to live with possums.

Environment and Conservation Minister John Hill this week launched the strategy aimed at more harmonious relations between householders and possums in South Australia.

“Our native wildlife is precious in South Australia where we have lost so much of our natural heritage,’’ Minister Hill said.

“In the case of our native possums, which are a protected species in SA, much of their habitat has been lost with urbanisation. They have lost many of their favoured homes – our large old gum trees. We are now literally living with possums in our backyards. There are times when this causes problems.

“This management strategy will provide information for people on how they can co-exist with possums.”

The Living with Possums strategy, developed by the Department for Environment and Heritage, provides advice on the options available if a possum is causing problems for householders.

“The strategy offers practical advice on how to stop possums from entering your home, how to coax them out and stop them re-entering and generally how to reduce the impact of possums on your household,’’ Minister Hill said.

It includes details on:

REMOVING possums from roof spaces.

ADVICE on trapping and relocating possums.

INFORMATION on permits required for handling of possums.

There are five species of possums found in South Australia – the most common found in Adelaide backyards are the common brushtail possum and the common ringtail possum. The management strategy applies to these species.

“These possums are not as common as their name suggests,’’ Minister Hill said. “The common brushtail possum has suffered a significant decline in abundance and a reduction in its range across South Australia due to fox and cat predation, habitat fragmentation and loss of suitable refuge sites and natural food sources.

“Living with possums has its share of challenges but we have a responsibility to deal with any problems in an appropriate manner and with the understanding that Adelaide is one of the last strongholds for the species.”

The possum management strategy has been prepared by the Department for Environment and Heritage in consultation with the Local Government Association, local councils, pest controllers, RSPCA, Animal Welfare League and the University of Adelaide.

The Department for Environment and Heritage has launched a new website which provides people with simple and practical advice on how to live in harmony with possums and to manage impacts caused by possums. That website can be found at: http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/biodiversity/possums.html

In South Australia all possums are protected and a permit is required to trap and release or trap and destroy possums in South Australia. Permits can only be obtained from the Department for Environment and Heritage.

To obtain a permit please refer to the Department for Environment and Heritage website: