Possums are not native to New Zealand. The first possums were brought to New Zealand in 1837 from Australia. Possums are native to Australia and are protected there. Possums are not a problem in Australia. Many trees in Australia have possum defenses such as spines, prickles or poisonous leaves. In New Zealand possums have no natural enemies. That is why possum numbers increased so fast. The possum is not protected in New Zealand, it is a pest. Most native New Zealand trees have yummy leaves and no possum defenses. The possum is doing a lot of damage to the native plants, animals and birds.

There are about 70 million possums in New Zealand - that's about 20 per person!

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