The Ecology and Conservation Group
Brigitte Kreigenhofer
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Postgraduate StudentMSc StudentEmail: Building 86, Gate 4, Oteha Rohe, Albany Campus, Massey University. Tel: +64 9 414 0800 ext 41520 Fax: +64 9 443 9790 Supervisors: Dr. Weihong Ji, Associate Assoc Prof Dianne Brunton, Dr Uri Shanas (University of Haifa, Israel), & Dr. Bevan Weir (Landcare Research) |
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RESEARCHExploring olfactory communication in the brushtail possum: Implications for management
The first part of this thesis focuses on chemically and microbially analyzing possum olfactory communication.
Specifically, the chemical composition of sternal gland scents as well as the composition of the bacterial communities inhabiting the integument covering the sternal gland will be analyzed.
This will allow us to determine whether or not possums produce unique scents during the breeding season and to see if there are certain bacterial species that are important in the production of their final scent product.
Because of the adverse effects that this species has on New Zealand’s economy and ecology, it is imperative that their numbers are reduced, hopefully to the point that they are completely removed. Hopefully with the understanding gained by this study, our ability to control possums will improve, further enabling us to reach this goal. |
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FUNDING BODIES
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CONFERENCES ATTENDED2008 - Ecological Society of New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand Student day |
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The brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) was introduced to New Zealand in the mid-1800’s and has since become highly invasive in this country.
Causing considerable damage to both native flora and fauna and being a wildlife reservoir of bovine tuberculosis, this species requires intensive management and control.
Management will be improved by having a more complete understanding of possum communication and behavioural ecology.
The focus of this thesis is to improve our understanding in these areas of possum biology.
The second part of this study focuses on determining how they use various scents to communicate with each other.
Scents from various glands (from both genders and from the breeding and non-breeding seasons) as well as female urinary scents will be tested in the field so that their responses to these scents will be known.
Of specific interest is finding out if any of these scents are attractive to possums as such a scent may prove beneficial in their management.
Possum-produced scents, especially if important for reproduction, may function well as long-distance lures which may reduce the number of bait stations that need to be placed and stocked and may also facilitate control in low density situations.
Furthermore, possum scents may improve control in certain habitats or during times of high food abundance (when food lures may not be as successful).