There are two types of possums native to the City, Brushtail Possums (
Trichosurus vulpecula) and Honey Possums (
Tarsipes rostratus).
Honey Possums are much rarer and only found in a few remnant areas of unburnt Banksia woodland vegetation. Banksia woodlands are listed as a Threatened Ecological Community (TEC).
Brush-tailed Possums are much more common, and can be easily recognised by their distinctive bushy tail, as well as their silvery-grey colour and pointy ears. Brushtails are the most common possum in the City.
Possums are largely nocturnal; spending the majority of the daytime asleep in hollows or similar refuges and emerging after sunset to forage for food. They are mostly herbivorous, feeding on a variety of leaves, flowers, fruits, and fungi.
Learn more about Possums
Possum conservation efforts by the City
In 2019 the City built the first possum bridge in the Perth metropolitan area, with two support poles built on either side of Beeliar Drive, Yangebup. The bridge was designed to help possums move through an increasingly fragmented landscape. As tree-dwellers during the day, they forage on the ground at night where they are prey for cats, dogs and foxes.
The City has also invested in several fauna underpasses along North Lake Rd, and Beeliar Dr, and is working with Murdoch University to study these.
Please take care with wildlife in Cockburn.
How you can help Possums
You can help Possums by driving carefully near wetlands and reserves and keeping dogs on leash while walking. At home try planting native gardens to create habitat, and keep your cats contained.
Contact
WA Wildlife if you see an injured native animal.
More Information and Contact
Please contact Environmental Services for more information on 08 9411 3444 or email
[email protected].