Possum Eradication
Project Objective
To remove all possums from Pomona Island.
Background
Possums were introduced to Pomona Island in the 1970s by locals as a source of fur. The number of possums estimated to be on the island was around 200 animals. It was important to remove large numbers of possum from Pomona prior to the Trust's planned rodent eradication programme. This was so that they could not eat large amounts of the bait that was to be spread to kill rats and mice.
No possums have ever been detected on Rona Island.
Method Used
In May 2007 Contract Wild Animal Control Limited (CWACL) was engaged to carry out a knock-down operation on the possums. Working in very difficult terrain, volunteers helped the contractor to set out a grid of over 250 leg-hold traps across the whole island. Over 430 possums were removed using this method. Some possum were also poisoned using Feratox bait placed in bags on trees towards the end of this initial operation.
In June 2008, CWACL was contracted to carry out a further possum mop-up operation. Using a network of traps and Feratox, no further possums were found.
Current Status
No evidence of possum was detected until September 2009, when "sign" (i.e. possum poo) of indeterminate age was found. Late in December 2009 more recent poo was found on the northern face of Pomona. There is, therefore, a possibility of a remnant possum population being alive on Pomona. With help from DOC, possum kill-traps have been put out in the areas where possum poo was found. No possums have yet been trapped.
Specific Funding
Transpower for the initial possum knock-down operation
Lotteries Grant Board (Environment and Heritage) for the possum mop-up operation after the aerial drop.
Department of Conservation for the loan of possum kill-traps
Project Objective
To remove all possums from Pomona Island.
Background
Possums were introduced to Pomona Island in the 1970s by locals as a source of fur. The number of possums estimated to be on the island was around 200 animals. It was important to remove large numbers of possum from Pomona prior to the Trust's planned rodent eradication programme. This was so that they could not eat large amounts of the bait that was to be spread to kill rats and mice.
No possums have ever been detected on Rona Island.
Method Used
In May 2007 Contract Wild Animal Control Limited (CWACL) was engaged to carry out a knock-down operation on the possums. Working in very difficult terrain, volunteers helped the contractor to set out a grid of over 250 leg-hold traps across the whole island. Over 430 possums were removed using this method. Some possum were also poisoned using Feratox bait placed in bags on trees towards the end of this initial operation.
In June 2008, CWACL was contracted to carry out a further possum mop-up operation. Using a network of traps and Feratox, no further possums were found.
Current Status
No evidence of possum was detected until September 2009, when "sign" (i.e. possum poo) of indeterminate age was found. Late in December 2009 more recent poo was found on the northern face of Pomona. There is, therefore, a possibility of a remnant possum population being alive on Pomona. With help from DOC, possum kill-traps have been put out in the areas where possum poo was found. No possums have yet been trapped.
Specific Funding
Transpower for the initial possum knock-down operation
Lotteries Grant Board (Environment and Heritage) for the possum mop-up operation after the aerial drop.
Department of Conservation for the loan of possum kill-traps
Pomona Island Charitable Trust
Pomona Island Charitable Trust
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Photo: DOC