THE BRUSHTAIL OPOSSUM


There are three species of Brushtail Opossum and they are found in Australia, New Guinea and some Pacific Islands.  Only one of the species was introduced into New Zealand and it's Latin (scientific) name is Trichosurus (hairy tail) Vulpecula (little fox). 

Possums were introduced to establish a fur trade, with the first successful liberation in the forests behind Riverton in 1858 - interestingly Riverton is only 10 minutes f rom our Tannery in Thornbury.  Other importations were made in later years with about 75% of the animals released being Tasmanian "blacks" as they were larger and had superior fur quality.

By 1919 their numbers were causing concern so the Government ordered an investigation.  The finding was that "the damage to the forests was negligible and far outweighed by the advantages that already accrued to the community".  Oh how the times have changed!

Brushtail opossums feed on leaves, buds, bark, flowers, fruit, fungi, small forest creatures such as snails, insects and mice and more recently have been known to take birds and their eggs, including attacks on nesting kiwi.   Damage to home gardens can be considerable and at least 70 native tree species have been recorded in their diet.

The American Opossum however, is a completely different type of animal. 

While our opossum has a bushy tail, the American opossum has a bald tail and is a carniverous scavenger.   The American opossum is part of their natural ecosystem but the Australian opossum was introduced to New Zealand and has grown in such numbers that it is now a threat to our natural environment and left unchecked will eventually destroy our native forests. 

Fortunately, Slinkskins Ltd has managed to take advantage of this pest - it collects the skins from the hunters and has used it's vast technical ability to produce some of the finest natural and dyed furskins available on the market.  

Please contact us directly if you would like any further information on this wonderfully warm and luxurious fur.