Possum assessment

Possum tales

In the South West region, the Common Brushtail Possum and the Western Ringtail Possum often use overhead powerlines to travel from one place to another.

This contact with live conductors (overhead wires) and the tops of poles, results in possum deaths and power interruptions.  The Western Ringtail Possum is of particular concern because of its threatened and vulnerable status under both state and national environmental legislation.

 

To combat the problem, Western Power has engaged a specialist consultant to look at ways to prevent possums coming into contact with live electricity equipment. In the past, deterrents such as sheet metal wrapped around the lower section of poles to stop possums climbing them have had limited success.

The current project is studying and mapping the existing fault records before investigating possible possum deterrent devices.

The objectives of this project are to:

• Provide information on current possum population distribution
• Provide information on their preferred natural habitat
• Determine the current and future management of the species by the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM)
• Identify and propose trials of potential techniques to prevent Western Ringtail Possum and Common Brushtail Possum death and/or injury from contact with Western Power's network

The possum assessment project began in June 2005. The findings of this study will be made available once the project is completed.