Possums can devastate a forest and its inhabitants by disrupting vital ecological processes like flowering, fruiting, seed dispersal and germination.
They eat native birds, eggs and chicks, as well as a wide range of invertebrates, and often damage fruit trees.
Possum-trapping tips
- Trapping should be carried out four times a year – in late winter, late spring, early summer, and autumn.
- Possum traps can be bought from Auckland Council for $40 – call 09 301 0101 to find out more.
- Bait traps with an apple dipped in cinnamon.
- Don’t use meat as bait – it can attract cats.
- Traps can be set either on the ground or on a platform about 2m up a tree.
Email biosecurity@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz for more information about possums and how to trap them.
