|
Wildlife
AustralianWildlife
Possums in the Roof
Introduced Species
Wildlife Case Studies
previous 1| 2| 3 |4 | next
Possums in the Roof
Brush tail possums generally inhabit hollowed trees. In urban environments however, they often consider the dark, warm areas of house roofs as suitable nesting sites. Consequently, in the past, thousands of possums were removed from Melbourne residences every year.
This is largely an ineffective solution as a possum removed from an area is usually replaced within a few days. Additionally it is believed that nearly 100% of the relocated possums will die. Trees in suitable habitats are usually already fully occupied, so possums that are discarded face often fatal fights to obtain a territory. If they fail, they end up scavenging on the ground in unfamiliar surroundings and are often hunted by other animals or hit by cars. Even relocating possums to a vacant area - i.e. after a bushfire - is difficult as any suitable area becomes populated quickly.
To overcome this, the wildlife regulations were amended to provide disincentives to remove possums from their territories. Property owners are helped by councils and pest controllers to remove the possums from their roof. The access ways are blocked, and the possums are released back onto the property in existing tree hollows or into possum boxes attached to the trees. Property owners who insist on removing Brushtail possums are only allowed to by having them euthanased at their own expense by a veterinarian.
REMOVING POSSUMS FROM YOUR ROOF
Initially, possums can be encouraged to leave by making the roof environment unfavourable. Set up flood lighting or strong scents (such as phenyl or garlic) to deter the possum. If this does not work, it is an advantage to trap the possum, and keep it in a warm, dark place before proceeding any further.
Possums gain entry through loose tiles, holes in timber/bricks. Watch for the possum to become active (at dusk), and block off the main entrance with a one-way Perspex flap. This will allow possums out, but not back into the roof. It is wise to surround the Perspex with metal to prevent the possums pulling the door the other way with their claws. Block off other holes completely, and remove any overhanging branches.
Once you have taken measures to prevent the possum reentering your roof, buy or make a nest box and install it in your garden as an alternate den (see below). If a possum is nesting in your backyard it is likely to keep others away from your environment. More important, the possum now has a safe place to live, and cannot get back into your roof.
Permanently relocating a possum caught in your area simply leaves the space free for another possum to occupy. Since possums are so territorial, keeping one possum in your backyard actually prevents others from inhabiting the area. Furthermore, the fate of released animals, trying to find shelter and food in an unfamiliar environment is abandonment, even cruel. If you will not, or cannot block off your roof, and you see relocation as your only option, you must get permission from the Department of Conservation and Environment before trapping.
POSSUM BOXES
Nest boxes are easily made from sawn timber or they can be bought commercially. Do not use boxes made from chipboard, treated timber, paint or glue. The box should be approximately 20 mm thick to provide insulation, and have no sharp edges or protruding nails. Nesting boxes should be installed in a stable position at least three metres above the ground. The box shown below, is a trap that can easily be converted into a nest box by removing the round entrance cover quickly.
more...
back
|
