Helllllooooo possums!

The Western Ringtail Possum needs you

EXTINCTION. If we don’t act now, the Western Ringtail Possum is likely to become extinct in the wild.

It’s estimated that there are less than 8000 of these adorable little marsupials left in the wild of Western Australia’s south west. In fact, they are listed as critically endangered under the WA Wildlife Conservation Act (1950). That’s only one step away from extinction.

This is where the South West Catchments Council has stepped in with the launch of a crowdfunding campaign this week to do their bit to help local community groups conserve the species.

Running throughout November, SWCC aims to raise $30,000 to distribute to local community groups currently undertaking possum conservation activities in the South West.

“South West residents are lucky to share their back yard with a critically endangered species. We are calling on our community to take action and help us protect and conserve this unique marsupial before it’s too late. Donations will help make a real difference in the possum’s future,” said SWCC Chief Executive Officer Damien Postma.

The species faces a number of threats to its survival, including habitat destruction; predation by foxes, feral cats and domestic pets; and death from vehicle strikes.

Here’s an idea of some of the costs involved with conservation activities:

• $5 will buy a transponder tag for monitoring possums in the wild
• $30 will buy a week’s worth of milk for sick or injured possums.
• $35 will buy a specialised nest box
• $50 will buy 64 Peppermint tree seedlings for revegetating habitat.

How will your money be spent?

SWCC will use your money to purchase items for a number of South West community groups to assist with their core conservation activities. Things we’d like to buy include:

• Milk, heat pads and incubators for possums in care
• Tree seedlings to revegetate local possum habitats, giving wild possums lush trees to live in and leaves to eat.
• Nest boxes for use in urban areas to deter possums from nesting in roof spaces
• Transponder tags to accurately track released possums in their native habitat.

Some of the groups we are working with include:

• Western Ringtail Action Group
• GeoCatch
• Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions,
• FAWNA (Fostering and Assistance For Wildlife Needing Aid),
• Possums R Us
• Busselton Dunsborough Environment Centre

Because we are passionate about applying best-practise in possum rehabilitation and care, rehab items will only be distributed to Registered Wildlife Rehabilitators. This means your money is in good hands, as RWRs are government registered, undergo stringent training, must complete reporting to authorities and practise the latest in caring techniques.

What’s in it for me?

A special event is planned to thank generous supporters, with anyone donating more than $200 eligible to attend a ‘VIP nibbles and night stalk’ in Busselton on 2^nd December to experience the possums up close and personal.

Thanks for thinking of us

Extinction is forever. The clock is ticking. Your donation could help slow that clock down and give the Western Ringtail Possum a solid future. To donate, head to www.chuffed.org/project/wrp.