Protecting Nguraren

Western Ringtail Possum

A Species under Threat

A Vital Haven

The Western Ringtail Possum is critically endangered and endemic to the South West of Western Australia.

Western Ringtail Possums were once widely spread across the South West from Perth to Albany, however the species population has now declined to less than 10% of its original geographical range and it is estimated that there are less than 8,000 ringtail possums remaining in the wild, with a decreasing trend. This is due to:

Land clearing for agriculture and urban development
Logging and burning of South West forests
Predation by foxes and feral cats
Domestic cat and dog attacks
Traffic accidents
Rat and snail bait poisoning
Relocation to unsuitable habitat
Diseases such as toxoplasmosis, which is carried by cats

Found nowhere else in the world

Geographe Catchment

The Geographe Catchment has one of the most significant remaining populations of western ringtail possum (WRP) in the world.

Peppermint trees (Agonis flexuosa), or peppies as they are known locally, make up to 95% of the diet of the western ringtail possum in the wild.

The clearing of this habitat for urban development is a significant threat to one of the last stronghold populations of the species.

Ongoing community concerns about the western ringtail possum in the Busselton area led to the initiation of the Peppies for Possums program and associated campaigns.

We work to protect critical habitat through population surveys, weed control, site preparation and planting of peppermint trees in priority areas, and awareness raising in schools and the wider community.

Navigating an urban environment

How To Help Our Possums

Living alongside critically endangered species like the Western Ringtail Possum is a privilege and something that makes living in the Geographe Bay Catchment so special. Possums are a part of suburban living and are not shy of humans. Their antics and acrobatics are a delight to watch at night, however, they need our help to survive in our urban environment.

There are plenty of things we can do to co-exist with these possums and ensure they are around for future generations to enjoy. These include:

Keeping remnant bush and mature trees on your property
Installing nest boxes
Keeping cats and dogs inside at night
Driving slowly at night as possums may be crossing the roads when they are most active
Covering up the compost bin and not leaving pet food out at night
Enhancing their habitat by helping out at our tree planting days!