DAMAGE CAUSED BY INTRODUCED SPECIES
This photo shows a dead New Zealand Pohutukawa or Christmas tree it has been killed by overgrazing by the introduced Australian possum. These trees have no natural defence to the possom and are dying in great numbers. The Pohutukawa can grow to a height of around 60 feet and measure up to 6 foot through the trunk(this one would be around 50 feet high). It belongs to the myrtle family containing eucalypts which are the main natural foods of the possum. Possums have been estimated to consume over 20,000 tons of New Zealand native trees foilage each night. The possums fur is of very high quality and overseas demand for this product will help eradicate this pest. Please help to control this pest by supporting businesses involved in marketing possum products.Links