Common brushtail possum

The Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) is an introduced marsupial from Australia and is now widespread throughout New Zealand. It was originally brought here in the 1800s to establish a fur trade.

In New Zealand, possums are considered a major pest species. They browse native vegetation, eat eggs and invertebrates, and can also spread bovine tuberculosis, making them a significant threat to both native ecosystems and agriculture.

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