Report
Q1. Possums can carry a lot of diseases such as leptospirosis,tuberculosis, fleas,lice and much more. However, in some parts of the country the gradual reduction of infected herds was not maintained, suggesting a source of infection other than diseased stock. In 1967, 20 out of 25 possums trapped just north of Westport were infected with bovine Tb, and within 5 years infected possums had been found in several areas of northern Westland, in the Wairarapa, and around the western bays of Lake Taupo. It appears the Tb must have entered possum populations during the early 1960’s at the latest, and possibly much earlier during the 1950’s. Today, possums are infected in areas of New Zealand covering approximately 6.24 million hectares or 23.5% of the nation’s land area, from north of Auckland to the southeastern corner of the South Island.
Q2.The greatest densities in Hawke’s Bay are found on the coastal country. Possums are also very prevalent in the forest/pasture margins as these areas provide a plentiful supply of food and suitable habitat. The Department of Conservation has estimated possum density across the North Island as being between 2-15 possums per hectare.
Q3. the best way to kill possums is by trapping them and by doing that is you could make or you could buy one its entirely up to you what you would do.
Research questions
What impacts does the pest species have on its food web?
Can possums carry diseases
What are possums natural habitat
Where do they live
Why do possums live in the bay of plenty
How do we kill possums
Who should be responsible of killing possums
What do possums eat
How do we kill them without killing other animals
How are they effective to the environment
How are they pests