Possums
Possums are one of New Zealand’s most significant vertebrate pests, damaging native wildlife and spreading disease such as bovine Tb. Research covers all pest–control technologies: traps, species–specific biological control, and poisons and baits. There is considerable emphasis on combining effectiveness of control with environmental–sensitivity and improved animal welfare. Related research covers population dynamics of possums and the impact they have on the environment.
Research
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Biological control of possums
Research is being conducted to develop biological control of possum fertility, which will provide possum management agencies with a wider range of control options. -
Management of multiple species of pests
Protection of critically threatened native animals and environments requires the control of multiple introduced animal pests. -
New and improved baits, toxins, traps and delivery systems
Vertebrate pest management is a critical component of many New Zealand conservation efforts and relies on the development of both new and improved baits and toxins. -
Pest Control Technologies
Understanding the ecological context of existing and emerging pest control techniques. -
Wildlife diseases and disease threats to humans
Animal pests and associated diseases threaten New Zealand’s native and productive environments: our research aims to develop a greater understanding of the transmission and behaviour of these diseases in their hosts so that we provide improved control or eradication strategies.