Wildlife

Common Ringtail Possum Welfare: Urban Australia

The common ringtail possum has adapted to urban gardens across southeastern Australia but faces significant welfare threats from domestic cats, dogs and road traffic.

Key Facts

Common ringtail possums are widespread in coastal southeastern Australia and Tasmania
They are nocturnal and build dreys (nests) of leaves in dense shrubs and trees
Urban populations have become dependent on introduced garden plants such as roses as food sources
Domestic cat predation is the single biggest welfare threat to urban ringtail possums

Welfare Considerations

Cat and dog predation causes severe injuries, many of which are treated at wildlife rescue centres. Road mortality is significant as possums cross roads at night. Orphaned joeys require specialist care after their mothers are killed. Exposure to rodenticides through secondary poisoning is an increasing welfare concern in urban areas. Urban wildlife rescue centres play a critical role in treating injured possums.

What You Can Do

Keep cats indoors at night to prevent possum predation
Plant native food trees to supplement urban possum diet
Contact a wildlife rescue organisation immediately for any injured possum
Avoid using second-generation rodenticides that can cause secondary poisoning in possums