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Proceedings of the First Symposium on Marsupials in New Zealand

Abstract

Abstract

Fluctuations in density patterns of common brushtail possum populations were studied by faecal pellet counts along the North Bank of the Taramakau catchment from 1969 to 1975. The study area contained two major vegetation associations, rata/kamahi forest and red beech forest. Variations in density patterns over the years indicated that peak carrying capacities in the beech zone were approximately half those in the rata/kamahi zone.

The upper forest transitional zone above both major forest types reached similar peak densities. Canopy damage in this zone, which coincided with heavy use of the understorey by deer, is discussed on the basis of aerial photography runs flown over the area in 1960 and in 1973.

In the winter of 1974 the whole area was poisoned by air with 1080 impregnated carrot. Approximately 85% of the population was removed by this operation. The greatest decline in pellet densities was recorded in the lower and mid forest zones.