Making a case for possum biocontrol – unit plan

Students collect information from the public about methods of controlling possum numbers and then present a report on the use of biocontrol.

Possum

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Possums are one of New Zealand's biggest pest species – eating native trees, birds and invertebrates, and destroying ecosystems.

Rights: Craig Hill, licensed through 123RF Limited

Purpose

Although the active biocontrol research programmes the resources make reference to finished in 2010, this unit plan still demonstrates the complexity of the possum control problem. It shows that biotechnological solutions involve input from a wide range of sources and that a successful outcome cannot be implemented without extensive consultation with the public.

Keywords

Biocontrol, possum damage, ecological niche.