Western Ringtail Possums

Native Animal Rescue has been working closely with researchers and staff at DEC in the Western Ringtail Ecology Project to provide rehabilitation facilities for possums during translocated.

The Western Ringtail Possum is a threatened species. It was once found throughout the South West as far north as Geraldton and along the southern coast of WA. It is now confined to isolated populations on mostly coastal peppermint (Agonis flexuosa) woodlands. Much of its natural habitat has been cleared for agriculture and for housing and the introduction of predators such as foxes and cats have also contributed to its devastation. Hand reared orphans and adults, which have been removed prior to land-clearing for housing near Busselton, are brought to Native Animal Rescue’s headquarters for rehabilitation. A timid species easily stressed, the Western Ringtail Possums are housed away from other animals with strict protocols to ensure they do not become habituated to human contact. They have very particular dietary habits and fresh native peppermint tree branches must be sourced by volunteers every day to provide their diet. After rehabilitation the possums are relocated to areas which have protection from predation and have suitable vegetation such as the Leschenault Peninsula Conservation Park. Resarchers at DEC monitor the possums after release to confirm the success of rehabilitation and translocation.

Currently our facilities are adequate.

Cost of feed and veterinary care, up to $50 per week depending on numbers (Feed for these animals involves collecting native peppermint branches which form their staple diet).