Annual possum tally begins in local backyards

GeoCatch’s annual Ringtail Tally has begun, and local residents are being called to play a part in protecting the critically endangered Nguraren (Western Ringtail Possum).

The citizen science project, now in its tenth-year, will span four weeks until May 3, and anyone can be involved in collecting data. The information is recorded on the WA Threatened Species Database and helps to track population trends, and inform future planning decisions and conservation projects.

This year, students from Georgiana Molloy Anglican School are getting on board to count possums in their backyards.

Declared critically endangered in 2017, the Western Ringtail Possum is particularly vulnerable when navigating roads and backyards in urban areas. Of 450 reported ringtail possum deaths from 2016 to 2023, 64 percent were from road kills. Domestic dogs and cats were also a big contributor to ringtail deaths.

GeoCatch project officer Nicole Lincoln said there were a few simple things that pet owners could do to help.

“If you own a cat, make sure it is contained at all times,” she said.

“Catios are a great way to let your cat enjoy the outdoors whilst keeping wildlife safe. If you have dogs, ensure that they are inside at night and can not access ringtail habitat.

“You can also install possum bridges in your yard to allow possums to move from tree to tree, and there are some low-cost fence extensions available if your dog is jumping up on the fence to access a possum highway.”

Everyone who participates in the tally will enter the draw to win a hand-made possum box by the Busselton Men’s Shed.

Since its inception, the tally has expanded beyond the original Geographe Bay Catchment area. Nature Conservation Margaret River, Leschenault Catchment Council, and Wirambi Landcare now run the project with their local communities.

To register and take part in the 2025 Ringtail Tally, visit geocatch.asn.au