Poster Presentation Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Australasia 2021

Baseline toxicological investigations of brushtail possums (trichosurus sp) in the Strathbogie Ranges, Victoria (#40)

Alannah Jensen 1 , Jasmin Hufschmid 1 , Dayanthi Nugegoda 2
  1. Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
  2. School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia

Overall, the toxicology of Australian marsupial species is poorly understood. Studies that have been conducted are often short-term or in response to an identified animal welfare issue, and monitoring or general baseline data is lacking across the majority of Australian marsupial species.To date, no toxicological studies have been conducted on brushtail possums (Trichosurus sp). In the Strathbogie Ranges in Victoria, mountain (T. cunninghami) and common (T. vulpecula) brushtail possums, occur sympatrically. The habitat of brushtail possums at this location consists of a fragmented landscape including agricultural land, logged plantations, native forest and extensive linear roadside remnant vegetation.2 In this pilot study, individual possums were trapped and sampled for faeces, hair and blood. Samples were analysed for trace metal contaminants. This research aims to provide the first quantitative ecotoxicological assessment of brushtail possums in Australia, and act as a stepping stone for further research into the ecotoxicology of these species. 

  1. Death CE, Griffiths SR, Story PG. Terrestrial vertebrate toxicology in Australia: An overview of wildlife research. Curr Opin Environ Sci Health 2019;11:43-52.
  2. Martin JK, Handasyde KA. Comparison of bobuck (Trichosurus cunninghami) demography in two habitat types in the Strathbogie Ranges, Australia. Journal of Zoology 2006;271(4):375-385.