Protecing the Critically Endangered
Western Ringtail PossumThe Western Ringtail Possum needs our support
This beautiful marsupial is endangered because of:
- natural habitat loss and fragmentation from land clearing for subdivisions, established suburbs and road building,
- predation by introduced species – fox, dog, and cat,
- vehicle strikes
- changing fire regimes that reduce the Ringtail Possum’s foraging and food sources, destroy shelter sites or fires that directly kill or indirectly kill possums from burns, heat or smoke exposure.
About Us
Peel Western Ringtail Possum Action Group
As a community group, we are volunteers that strive to protect, conserve and care for the Critically Endangered Western Ringtail Possum. We also raise awareness and provide education and assistance to community members that have possums living in their neighbourhood within the Peel Region.
Group actions include:
- Monitor Ringtail Possum populations in various locations south of the Dawesville Cut/Bouvard bridge on both sides of Old Coast Road and into Yalgorup National Park.
- Mapping of Ringtail Possum populations
- Document the productivity of female Ringtail Possums – single or twin infant counts
- Counting and mapping of Dreys, both old and occupied
- Ringtail Possum habitat mapping with tree hollow counts
- Relocation areas for rehabilitated Ringtail Possums
Learn More…
Where are Ringtail Possums Found?
The Western Ringtail Possum now has a distribution from the Dawesville Cut south. Previously Western Ringtail Possums had a wider distrubution, however with landclearing their range has now been reduced heavily. Within the Peel Region Western Ringtails can be found between Dawesville to Preston beach.
What do Ringtails Eat?
Western Ringtails require a varied diet of native vegetation. They will forage across the tree canopy and can often been seen eating many different species including Acaia’s, Eucalypts, and Peppermint trees. Ringtails will eat new growth of leaves, they will also eat blossums and banksia flowers. Biodiversity is the key to their diets and habitat.
Why are Ringtails Critically Endangered?
Landclearing and Predation are two of the biggest factors impacting Western Ringtail Possums. They are also impacted by prescribed burning regimes in the South West. Western Ringtail Possums require canopy connectivity to beable to stay away from predators up in the trees. Land Clearing and fragmentation of native bushland has decrease the area where Ringtails can survive.
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Thanks to the support from The Rotary Club of Mandurah’s Community Wishing Well Grants we have been able to create this website, t-shirts, hats, and brochures to raise awareness for the Critically Endangered Western Ringtail Possum.