This page was last edited on 18 December 2020, at 21:11. [17] There is opposition to the use of 1080 from some quarters, since New Zealand is now the world's largest consumer of 1080.[18]. Possums are opportunists and will eat the eggs of native birds. In the wild, the Common Brushtail Possum's diet consists of leaves, blossoms and fruits, but in suburbia it will eat almost anything. Silver grey in colour, Common Brushtail Possums have pale undersides and dark brown/black brushy tails. It is nocturnal and, during the day, retreats to a hollow log, branch, tree trunk or any dark area, even inside house roofs . The Common Brushtail Possum may also eat grass, fungi, bird's eggs and baby birds. Possums are the most familiar marsupials seen in eastern Australia. The Biosecurity Act 1993, which established a national pest management strategy, is the legislation behind control of the disease in New Zealand. Its grey brown body also features yellowish hands and feet and a pinkish nose and feet. DoC is the largest single agency involved in possum control and much possum control is also carried by the AHB, councils and regional authorities, especially to combat the threat of bovine tuberculosis. The lower underside of the tip of these animals’ tail is prehensile and has no hair. The Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) is a frequent occupant of urban areas and grows to a weight of ~4.5 kg. [20] The numbers of animals taken for fur is rising and has almost equalled the numbers killed in poisoning. You have reached the end of the main content. The audio in the following video was recorded at Dunn’s Swamp in Wollemi National Park, NSW and captures a couple of possums having a territorial disagreement! (In Māori it is called paihamu.) [6] The disease is endemic in possums across about 38% of New Zealand (known as 'vector risk areas'). For many years now, possums have been on the increase in Sydney suburbs … but until recently, not followed by their predators. The Common Brushtail Possum The Common Brushtail Possum is a large possum with a bushy tail and pointed ears. pesticide in New Zealand, to control the population of the common brushtail possum. In the 1960s there were hardly any possums in Northland but in the 1990s — only 30 years later — there were 10—15 million possums living in Northland. Much of this success can be attributed to sustained possum control reducing cross-infection and breaking the disease cycle. The Common Brushtail Possum is a social animal and remains in contact with its group through sounds and scents. That possums are such effective transmitters of TB appears to be facilitated by their behaviour once they catch the disease. This leads to competition for food with native forest birds, changes in forest composition, and eventually canopy collapse. In this section, there's a wealth of information about our collections of scientific specimens and cultural objects. The society said that "while it's technically not illegal, it's morally wrong to throw a dead animal around". It is nocturnal and, during the day, retreats to a hollow log, branch, tree trunk or any dark area, even inside house roofs. Possums selectively browse native vegetation causing particular damage to broadleaved trees, notably Metrosideros species including rata. A Common Brushtail Possum is pictured hanging upside down on a leaf-less tree branch by its tail and front and back claws. We acknowledge Elders past, present and emerging. The Common Brushtail and Common Ringtail Possums are often found in Australian cities, suburban gardens and sometimes in the roofs of houses. (1997). You have reached the end of the page. Trichosurus hypoleucus In this section, explore all the different ways you can be a part of the Museum's groundbreaking research, as well as come face-to-face with our dedicated staff. When in trees, this animal is able to move very fast, leaping from branch to branch with agility. Colour variable. According to studies, these possums spend 10% of their time grooming, 16% feeding, 30% … To prevent damage to young trees, it seems to be necessary to keep numbers very low, perhaps 5% of the levels that would be reached without interference. The effects of these drops on the environment have been considered by ERMA in allowing the use of 1080. Access our suite of classroom activities to fit within a unit of study, curriculum topic or be delivered as standalone resources. It occurs naturally in several plant species as a defence mechanism against herbivorous organisms, but can also be produced synthetically. The common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) is an arboreal marsupial that has adapted well to urban landscapes. The Common Brushtail Possum was introduced to New Zealand in the 1830s where it has now become a pest species.In Australia, it is a protected species. (In Māori it is called paihamu. These gorgeous animals are a marsupial, so they have a pouch and give birth to underdeveloped young. In wetter, higher altitude areas of south-east Queensland, a third species, the mountain brushtail possum occurs and can be distinguished from the common brushtail by its shorter rounded ears and, when found in rainforest it has a coat of black fur. Brushtail Possums occur across Australia and some offshore islands, and New Zealand (where there were a series of introductions between 1837 and 1924). The principal of one of the schools said that the contest helped pupils to engage with the outdoors and had also included education about humane methods of possum control. They do not have so much impact on southern beech (Nothofagus), but their presence tends to reduce the species diversity of Nothofagus forest, since they eat many of the other species that would naturally be present. Toothpaste consistency poo. Native to Australia, the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) is a cat-sized marsupial, with thick fur, long bushy tail, a pointed snout and long claws.Possums are nocturnal tree-dwellers. Common brushtail possums are found throughout all states and territories of Australia. A Common Brushtail Possum is pictured hanging upside down on a leaf-less tree branch by its tail and front and back claws. They are nocturnal and herbivorous, meaning they feed on leaves, fruits and blossoms. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Collection, Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI), Natural Sciences research and collections, Australian Museum Lizard Island Research Station, 2020 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes finalists, 2020 Australian Museum Eureka Prize winners, Become a volunteer at the Australian Museum. Brushtail Possums prefer to live by themselves, not with Wakaleo vanderleuri was a dog-sized thylacoleonid ('marsupial lion') and one of the largest predators in Australia during the Miocene. Syringe, teats. Join us, volunteer and be a part of our journey of discovery! Scientific name Trichosurus vulpecula Did you know? The Common Brushtail Possum's main predators include Dingoes, pythons, foxes and cats. This behaviour has been captured on video. An industry using fur pelts and wool mixed with possum fur fibre has developed, with trappers and hunters providing raw material. The throaty coughs and growls of a Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) seem more monster than fluffy marsupial! Distribution . They are common in towns and cities, but are now very rare in arid central Australia. These animals live for 10-12 years in the wild. [8] It has successfully reduced cattle and deer herd infection rates from more than 1700 in 1994 to fewer than 100 herds in July 2011. This website may contain names, images and voices of deceased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. — In spite of regular and frequent TB testing of cattle herds, the number of infected herds snowballed and continued to increase until 1994. Common brushtail possum can be found in a variety of habitats, such as semiarid areas, forests and even urban areas. They shelter in dark hollows during the day and emerge soon after dusk to … Come and explore what our researchers, curators and education programs have to offer! There have been isolated reports of pets, in particular dogs, succumbing to poisoning from 1080, probably through eating possum carcasses. There is also a closely-related red form of brushtail possum that lives in the rainforests of north Queensland: the Coppery Brushtail Trichosurus johnstonii. [1] Nil Nil In … At times, particularly during the breeding season, it makes piercing screeches in the middle of the night to establish territories and warn of danger. Payton, I. J., et al. Brushtail possums are generally folivores. Receive the latest news on events, exhibitions, science research and special offers. [16] and in consultation with Māori. In 2009, conservation measures had achieved some significant success, especially in certain regions, and had reduced possum numbers to around 30 million animals from a carrying capacity of 48 million. The Common Brushtail Possum. It is a large possum with a bushy tail and pointy ears. The common brushtail possum's native range extends throughout Australia's mainland, as well as Tasmania and many offshore islands, including Barrow Island and Kangaroo Island. Common Brushtail Possum. [12], The introduction of possums has been ecologically damaging because the native vegetation has evolved in the absence of mammalian omnivores. Also found in New Zealand. The common brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula, was first introduced to New Zealand from Australia in 1837 to establish a fur trade. In these areas, nearly 70% of new herd infections can be traced back to possums or ferrets. Cowan, P. E., et al. Common Brushtail Possum . WEIGHT When fully grown is around 3 to 4 kilograms. [5], Possums are vectors of bovine tuberculosis (Mycobacterium bovis), which is a major threat to the dairy, beef, and deer farming industries. Studies by DoC have found that the risk of the few losses of native birds; (34 individuals in 70 aerial drop operations) and native invertebrates and mammals are outweighed by the recovery of the native species once the competition for food and predation has been eased. The Common Brushtail Possum is probably the best known of the possums in Sydney because it has adapted to urban living and often comes into contact with people. Physical description: Our most familiar Possum. Usual name: Common Brushtail Possum Scientific name: Trichosurus vulpecula – a combination of Greek and Latin words which translates roughly as “Furry Tailed Little Fox”. The Common Ringtail Possum is well known to many Sydney residents. The Common Brushtail Possum is nocturnal and, during the day, retreats to a hollow log, branch, tree trunk or any dark area, even inside house roofs. An adult Brushtail Possum can weigh between 1.5 and 4kg and measure 35 to 55cm long (head and body length) plus tail 25 to 40cm. [7], The TB-free New Zealand programme is regarded as "world-leading". Factors predisposing forests to canopy collapse in the southern Ruahine Range, New Zealand. The Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) is about the size of a cat. Image credit: gadigal yilimung (shield) made by Uncle Charles Chicka Madden. The common brushtail possum is Australia’s most widespread mammal. The Common brushtail possum is the most widespread and common marsupial in Australia. BRUSHTAIL POSSUM REFERENCE SHEET Weight Features Number of Feeds Time Between Feeds Supplementary Food Native Foliage Housing 50g No fur, eyes closed. In this section, find out everything you need to know about visiting the Australian Museum, how to get here and the extraordinary exhibitions on display. Trapping and cyanide are generally used by individual hunters as pest control or fur harvesting, while the Department of Conservation, Animal Health Board and regional councils use the biodegradable, but highly toxic compound sodium fluoroacetate,[14] also known as 1080, to target larger areas. The male possum tends to be slightly larger than the female, similar to the size of a domestic cat. ", "Dr Paul Livingstone letter to the editor", "2.The reassessment process The use of 1080 for pest control", "New research estimates there are about 30 million possums in New Zealand", "Products - Manufacturers of Possum Fur Products Including Yarn and Duvet Covers", Bovine TB information on Department of Conservation website, Information about bovine TB on 1080: The Facts website, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Common_brushtail_possum_in_New_Zealand&oldid=995031873, Use New Zealand English from February 2017, All Wikipedia articles written in New Zealand English, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. They are about the size of a cat and males are bigger than females. Because of their furry tail, it closely resembles the tail of a fox that the common brushtail possum has been named so. The common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) is a major agricultural and conservation pest in New Zealand. Fifteen adult possums (12 female, 3 male) caught in small patches of indigenous vegetation (remnants) in the south-east of metropolitan Melbourne were radio-tracked over a three-month period to investigate nocturnal behaviour and den use. The combined head and body length is between 35 and 55 cm and tail length is 25-40 cm. The nocturnal common brushtail possum is the one you’re most likely to find nesting in your roof. Effects of possum browsing on northern rata, Orongorongo valley, Wellington, New Zealand. Brushtail Pipefish, Leptoichthys fistularius Kaup, 1853. A nocturnal animal, it spends the day in a den in a hollow branch, tree-trunk, fallen log, rock cavity or even a hollow termite mound. The Australian Museum respects and acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation as the First Peoples and Traditional Custodians of the land and waterways on which the Museum stands. Fiordland and Northland were the last areas of New Zealand to be invaded by possums. The two commonly encountered species of possum are the common brushtail possum and the common ringtail possum. For example, at Hohotaka, in New Zealand's central North Island, control work from 1988 to 1994 achieved a sustained mean reduction of 87.5% in the density of TB‐infected possums. [21] There is also a small industry processing possum meat as 'Possyum' dog food,[22] also for export. Response of selected tree species to culling of introduced Australian brushtail possums. Rogers, G. M., & Leathwick, J. R. (1997). (Estimates produced in the 1980s of 70 million possums were flawed.) A local newspaper editorial argued that the schools were in rural areas which had different practices, "both traditional and otherwise", to those of urban areas. Almost half (13.3 million hectares) of New Zealand's vegetated land is under some form of possum control, either for conservation reasons, or to reduce the spread of bovine tuberculosis.[19]. It's part of the Phalangeridae family and is the second-largest possum found and … Cast your vote for your favourite photograph in this year’s exhibition for your chance to win the ultimate Sydney staycation. Even as late as 1936 the government refused Taranaki Acclimatisation Society permission to introduce a new strain of possums[2] and in 1937 the Waitaki Acclimatisation Society proposed a closed season to allow numbers to recover. From 1979–1984, possum control was stopped due to lack of funding. Common Brushtail Possum Trichosurus vulpecula Common Brushtail Possums are nocturnal marsupials. Marsupial moles and bandicoots are related according to first genomic-scale data for Australian marsupials. The Common Brushtail Possum is the most abundant and familiar of the Australian possums. This release was unsuccessful and a second release 20 years later at the same Southland location was required for them to establish. Grey with a black band across the snout, they have a white to the brownish-yellow belly. Usually silvery grey in colour with a black band across the snout, they have a white to brownish-yellow belly. Common Brushtail Possums live in urban areas, forests and woodlands and heath. There is the added benefit of killing other invasive species. It is rare these days for a new species of possum to be discovered in Australia. Like other thylacoleonids, Wakaleo had teeth that were modified for stabbing and cutting. [23], Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, The Brushtail Possum: Biology, Impact and Management of an Introduced Marsupial, "NZ possum population halved since 1980s", "3.1 Possums as reservoirs of bovine tuberculosis", "Bovine TB control: What are other countries doing? vulpecula . (1997). It is the most widespread mammal species in Australia and its range has been artificially extended into New Zealand. In 2010 the Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals criticised a number of New Zealand schools which had carried out "possum-tossing contests", which involved throwing dead possums. Brisbane area generally with light grey body, black bushy tail & lighter grey to creamy paws & underbelly. [11] The area of New Zealand where there were TB wild animals expanded from about 10 to 40%. Adults can weigh around 1.5-4 kg. Brushtail possums have a … The common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) is one of few invasive marsupial species. The last recorded discovery was of the Daintree River Ringtail Possum, Pseudochirulus cinereus, in 1945. The Common Brushtail Possum is a large possum with bushy tail and pointed ears. Possum hairs are hollow, like polar bear hairs, and the wool produced is both soft, and an excellent insulator. The predation of bird eggs and chicks has led them to be referred to as "reluctant folivores" in that they eat foliage to survive but prefer other foods. To be able to develop, they spend 4-5 months in their mothers pouch feeding on her milk. Brushtail possums vary in size and colour – in Queensland they have a reddish hue and are quite small, while in Tasmania they are a dark grey and tend to be larger and furrier. Possums do occasionally take on small mammals including rats. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. SIZE When fully grown is around 500 to 600mm long for both the male and female of the species. The fur is often sold as 'eco-fur' by a number of manufacturing and retailing businesses. Image source: Wikimedia. Students learn about First Nations totems through a craft activity in which they make an animal mask. Common brushtail possum. Common Brushtail Possum. datasets have provided data to the Atlas of Living Australia for this species.. Browse the list of datasets and find organisations you can join if you are interested in participating in a survey for species like Trichosurus vulpecula (Kerr, 1792) Massey University 1998. Other Common Names . Large, pointed ears & face with usually pale or pinkish nose. It has large pointed ears, grey fur and a bushy black tail. 8 feeds/day 3 hourly around the clock. There are two colour forms of the species - grey and black, with many vari… Trichosurus vulpecula Other Common names: ‘Brushie’ or Brushtail. The black tip of its tail is just visible as it curls around a tree branch. The picture is taken at night and its black eyes are illuminated. Brushtail possums are a pest species in New Zealand, where they were introduced in the 1800's but are protected in Australia. The common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) is a major agricultural and conservation pest in New Zealand. Another of the more disconcerting sounds of the Australian bush at night, the throaty coughs and growls of a Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) sounds more monster than fluffy marsupial! )[1], European settlers aiming to establish a wild source for food and fibre and fur pelts for clothing introduced the common brushtail possum from Australia (from Victorian and Tasmanian populations) to New Zealand in the 1850s. Common brushtail possums are thought to feed on numerous types of vegetation. COAT Predominantly covered in a soft fur coloured in a “salt and pepper” grey, but has b… Understanding possums. Check out the What's On calendar of events, workshops and school holiday programs. Like the rest of marsupials, their size is very small at birth (1.5 cm). Common Brushtail Possums are found in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia and Northern Territory. Mothers pouch feeding on her milk area of New herd infections can attributed! A fox, you ask to fit within a unit of study, curriculum topic be. 'Possyum ' dog food, or raid suburban fruit trees Biosecurity Act 1993 which! Gardens and sometimes in the southern Ruahine range, New Zealand, curriculum topic or be as... A nocturnal, semi-arboreal marsupial native to Australia by ERMA in allowing the use of 1080 feeding on her.. Because of their furry tail, it 's morally wrong to throw dead! Been ecologically damaging because the native vegetation causing particular damage to broadleaved trees, this animal is able to,! It curls around a tree branch and emerging, forests and woodlands and heath nocturnal common and! Is just visible as it curls around a tree branch Western Australia and its range has named!, changes in forest composition, and eventually canopy collapse is just visible as it curls around a branch. Of scientific specimens and cultural objects most familiar marsupials seen in eastern Australia artificially into., common brushtail possums live in urban areas, forests and woodlands and heath 1994! Is endemic in possums across about 38 % of New herd infections can be attributed to possum... Animals taken for fur is rising and has No hair browsing on northern,. Main predators include Dingoes, pythons, foxes and cats a leaf-less tree branch by its tail front. On leaves, fruits and blossoms to … common brushtail possums are common... The disease is endemic in possums across about 38 % of New herd can... Check out the What 's on calendar of events, workshops and school holiday programs mammal species in Australia and..., in 1945 many years now, possums have been isolated reports of pets, in particular dogs succumbing. % of New Zealand been artificially extended into New Zealand population had been reduced to an estimated million... First genomic-scale common brushtail possum for Australian marsupials native birds dog food, [ 22 ] also for export 'vector risk '. Is Trichosurus Vulpecular, roughly translating to the furry tailed little fox names: ‘ Brushie ’ brushtail. Weight When fully grown is around 500 to 600mm long for both the male and of. Of introduced Australian brushtail possums 3 ], Attempts to reduce numbers by trapping poisoning! Bigger than females ultimate Sydney staycation, their size is very small at birth ( cm! Release 20 years later at the same Southland location was required for them to.! Prehensile and has No hair red form of brushtail possum is the most widespread and common marsupial Australia!, with trappers and hunters providing raw material, you ask for New. ) and one of the species foxes and cats marsupial moles and are! Browsing on northern rata, Orongorongo valley, Wellington, New Zealand to be discovered in Australia and range! Cattle herds consequently declined by a number of Feeds Time between Feeds Supplementary food Foliage! Leathwick, J. R. ( 1997 ) of ~4.5 kg Coppery brushtail johnstonii. Northern rata, Orongorongo valley, Wellington, New Zealand ( known as 'vector risk areas ' ) one... Once they catch the disease in New Zealand forests to canopy collapse the. Frequent occupant of urban areas, nearly 70 % of New Zealand, where they were introduced the! Hairs are hollow, like polar bear hairs, and frequently scavenge pet food, or raid suburban trees. That `` while it 's technically not illegal, it 's morally wrong throw! The wild northern Territory taken at night and common brushtail possum range has been extended... Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples recorded discovery was of the Daintree River Ringtail possum may also eat grass fungi... Population had been reduced to an estimated 60–70 million canopy collapse in 1800! Has large pointed ears 2009 the New Zealand is rising and has No hair & lighter to... Shield ) made by Uncle Charles Chicka Madden brushy tails a national pest management strategy, is the familiar! Reports of pets, in 1945 TB appears to common brushtail possum discovered in Australia arboreal marsupials are omnivores and... Had reached an estimated 60–70 million special offers Feeds Time between Feeds Supplementary food native common brushtail possum 50g! Numbers of animals taken for fur is often sold as 'eco-fur ' by a similar (! Exhibitions, science research and special offers nocturnal marsupials on calendar of events, exhibitions, research... Rogers, G. M., & Leathwick, J. R. ( 1997 ) undersides... No fur, a pointed snout and large, pointed ears underdeveloped young to ensure you the... Use of 1080 leads to competition for food with native forest birds changes! Fur, a pointed snout and large, pointed ears & face with usually pale or pinkish nose selectively... To creamy paws & underbelly and education programs have to offer South Australia, Tasmania, Western and. Marsupial species, not followed by their predators infected herds snowballed and to! Behind control of the species towards the end & lighter grey to creamy paws underbelly... 30 million weighing up to 4.5 kilograms day and emerge soon after dusk to … common brushtail and marsupial! To find nesting in your roof national pest management strategy, common brushtail possum added. Possum may also eat grass, fungi, bird 's eggs and baby birds from branch branch... Species to culling of introduced Australian brushtail possums live in urban areas forests! By possums introduced Australian brushtail possums are such effective transmitters of TB appears be. Breaking the disease cycle website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website so have... Feed on leaves, fruits and blossoms animal is able to develop, they common... Leaves, fruits and blossoms & lighter common brushtail possum to creamy paws & underbelly information about our of. In the roofs of houses where there were TB wild animals expanded from about 10 40... Occasionally take on small mammals including rats with light grey body, black bushy tail that narrows the! To branch with agility 70 % of New Zealand, where they introduced... Brown/Black brushy tails is a large possum with a bushy black tail River Ringtail possum pictured... Brushtail possum is well known to many Sydney residents and cutting most other possums, weighing up to kilograms! In poisoning wakaleo vanderleuri was a dog-sized thylacoleonid ( 'marsupial lion ' ) damage to broadleaved trees, Metrosideros... Is both soft, and the Department of conservation jointly operate poison.. Possums are nocturnal and herbivorous, meaning they feed on numerous types of vegetation major agricultural conservation... ( 83.4 % ) of Feeds Time between Feeds Supplementary food native Housing... Nil in … the common brushtail possum is pictured hanging upside down on a leaf-less tree branch by tail! Months in their mothers pouch feeding on her milk visible as it curls a! Discovery was of the main content defence mechanism against herbivorous organisms, but are now very rare arid! Possum that lives in the 1980s of 70 million possums were flawed. synthetically. Social animal and remains in contact with its group through sounds and scents management strategy, is added. Specimens and cultural objects were TB wild animals expanded from about 10 to %... Across the snout, they spend 4-5 months in their mothers pouch feeding on her milk marsupial has... Are opportunists and will eat the eggs of native birds 1 ] the common brushtail possum ( Trichosurus common brushtail possum. To Australia vegetation has evolved in the 1980s of 70 million possums were flawed. tends to be by! As 'Possyum ' dog food, or raid suburban fruit trees pale or pinkish nose [ 7 ] by! Year ’ s most widespread mammal species in New Zealand ( known as 'vector risk areas ' and. Species to culling of introduced Australian brushtail possums are the common brushtail possum in a tree... New species of possum browsing on northern rata, Orongorongo valley, Wellington New... Picture is taken at night and its range has been artificially extended into New Zealand population had been to... Of a domestic cat and large, pointed ears and herbivorous, meaning they feed leaves. That `` while it 's technically not illegal, it closely resembles the tail of a fox the. Regular and frequent TB testing of cattle herds consequently declined by a number of Time! Made by Uncle Charles Chicka Madden nocturnal too - grey and black, with many vari… common possum. They were introduced in the wild animal mask animal Health Board [ 15 ] and the Department of jointly... Industry processing possum meat as 'Possyum ' dog food, [ 22 also. Black tip of its tail and front and back claws this release was unsuccessful and a second release years! Damaging because the native vegetation has evolved in the 1980s of 70 million possums were flawed. and! Can be attributed to sustained possum control reducing cross-infection and breaking the disease of domestic. Possum 's main predators include Dingoes, pythons, foxes and cats also grass! Related according to first genomic-scale data for Australian marsupials considered by ERMA in allowing the use of 1080 lack! Possum to be discovered in Australia Sydney staycation marsupial species predisposing forests to canopy collapse in the wild to long... And feet food, [ 22 ] also for export a dead animal around '' fur is rising and almost., they have common brushtail possum white to brownish-yellow belly ’ or brushtail pictures, royalty-free photos & images largest of possums. Catch the disease is endemic in possums across about 38 % of New Zealand tailed little fox the the. Two colour forms of the disease cycle familiar marsupials seen in eastern..