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Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)

The Common Brushtail Possum is a nocturnal, mostly arboreal marsupial found in woodlands, forests, riparian vegetation, rocky ranges and urban areas across much of Australia. It is listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act, Endangered in the Northern Territory and Vulnerable in Western Australia. On development sites, hollow-bearing trees, roof cavities, rock crevices, dense vegetation and connected feeding areas can support individuals and dependent young.

Conservation status

Commonwealth, EPBC Act 1999: Vulnerable.

Western Australia, Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016: Vulnerable.

Northern Territory, Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1976: Endangered.

Breeding season

The annual pattern varies with latitude, climate and food availability. Autumn breeding is typical in many Australian populations, while breeding can continue through the year in northern and some central Australian populations.

Before clearing, inspect potential den trees, fallen logs, rock cavities, dense vegetation, roof spaces and connected feeding habitat. Regional breeding timing should be confirmed from local records.

  • Breeding, mating and births: Most births occur in autumn, commonly April to early May in Australian populations. A smaller spring birth period occurs in some areas, and northern populations may breed throughout the year.
  • Young in pouch: Young remain in the pouch for about 170 to 190 days. The exact months depend on the birth date and regional breeding pattern.
  • Young emerging and dependent: Young begin leaving the pouch at about 150 to 170 days, remain dependent after pouch emergence and are generally weaned at about 200 to 250 days.
  • Dispersal and local movement: The species is active throughout the year. Young males usually disperse from the maternal area, while young females more often remain near it. Movement between den and feeding sites occurs after dark.
  • Highest clearing risk: Clearing risk is highest from autumn through winter because births and pouch dependence overlap with this period in many populations. Risk can occur in any month where breeding is continuous or a den contains dependent young.

Identification

The Common Brushtail Possum is a large possum with a bushy tail, pointed ears and a pale underside. It is generally silver grey, but coat colour varies from grey to brown, red or dark phases.

Adults are about the size of a domestic cat. The tail is thick and bushy over much of its length, with a darker tip. The muzzle commonly has a dark band, and the ears are relatively large and pointed.

Males are generally larger than females. Body size varies geographically, from animals around 1.5 kg in northern Australia to animals around 3.75 kg in Tasmania.

Head and body: 35 to 55 cm

Tail: 25 to 40 cm

Weight: 1.5 to 4 kg

Identification: Distinguishing features

The Common Brushtail Possum can be separated from the Western Ringtail Possum by its larger, more robust body, larger pointed ears and thick bushy tail. The Western Ringtail Possum is smaller, has rounded ears and a slender tail that is about as long as the rest of its body.

The tail is prehensile and is used as a fifth hand when climbing and feeding on branches. The species climbs deliberately and can descend tree trunks head first.

Identification: Field signs

Daytime evidence includes occupied or recently used hollows, hollow logs, rock crevices, dense vegetation and roof cavities. A possum may use more than one den within its home range.

Calls include deep guttural coughs, hisses, growls, screeches and softer courtship calls. Scent marking may occur under the chin, on the chest, at the base of the tail, on branches and around den trees.

Direct night searches may detect animals in trees, on trunks, along branches or crossing the ground. The supplied sources do not provide diagnostic descriptions of tracks, scats or eyeshine, so these signs should not be used alone for identification.

  • Search hollow-bearing trees, fallen logs, rock crevices, dense vegetation and roof spaces during daylight.
  • Listen for coughing, hissing and growling after dark, especially during the breeding season.
  • Check den trees and likely travel routes for scent marking and repeated use.

Distribution: National range

The species occurs across a broad but uneven part of Australia. It is common in some eastern and southern areas, while populations in arid Australia have declined markedly since European settlement.

The Common Brushtail Possum occurs in wooded areas along much of the east coast, eastern South Australia, south-west Western Australia, Tasmania and parts of the Northern Territory. It also occurs in urban and peri-urban areas where suitable food and den sites remain.

Within central Australia, records and studied populations are associated with the East MacDonnell Ranges, Hale River, Irving Creek and the Petermann Ranges. Arid populations are often concentrated in riparian vegetation, rocky ranges, wet gullies and other areas with reliable moisture and plant growth.

Distribution: Strongholds and trends

The species is reported as most common in the Adelaide region and on Kangaroo Island in South Australia. In central Australia, remaining populations are associated with refuge habitats such as creek lines, rocky ranges, caves and areas with reliable water supplies.

The arid-zone distribution has declined markedly since European settlement. The decline has involved interacting effects of predation, drought, fire, introduced herbivores, rabbits, habitat degradation and changes to water and food availability.

Australian home range average: Males 5.4 ha; females 2.4 ha

Central Australian home range: Hale River mean 44.21 ha; Irving Creek mean 4.99 ha

Recorded Australian density: 0.23 to 4.0 animals per hectare

Arid Australia trend: Distribution declined markedly after European settlement

Distribution: Project interpretation

A local absence during a single survey does not demonstrate that a site is unused. Home ranges can be large, especially in arid areas, and animals may move between den sites, feeding areas and water-associated vegetation.

The relevant state and territory conservation status should be checked before works begin. The species is listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act, Endangered in the Northern Territory and Vulnerable in Western Australia.

Habitat: Vegetation communities

Common Brushtail Possums use habitats that provide food, secure daytime refuges and connected routes between dens and feeding areas. They occur from moist forests to dry woodland, riparian vegetation, rocky ranges and modified urban areas.

Recorded habitats include rainforest, eucalypt woodland, open forest, sheoak woodland, shrubland, riparian red gum creek lines, rocky hills, wet gullies and degraded drainage lines.

In central Australia, occupied habitats include Acacia and Callitris woodland on rocky hills, Eucalyptus camaldulensis creek lines, mixed Acacia rocky hills, rocky eucalypt creek lines and wet gullies.

Habitat: Structural features

Large trees with hollows are important, particularly mature eucalypts. Hollows suitable for arboreal mammals may take 50 to 200 years to form, and some eucalypts may require at least 200 years.

Useful habitat also includes hollow logs, dense vegetation, fallen timber, rock piles, caves, rock crevices and roof cavities. Sites with mistletoe, productive foliage, flowers and fruit can provide important feeding habitat.

Hollow development: Often 50 to 200 years; at least 200 years in some eucalypts

  • Retain mature hollow-bearing trees, including dead trees where they are safe to retain.
  • Maintain connected vegetation between den trees, feeding areas and water-associated habitat.
  • Inspect rocky ranges, creek lines, dense vegetation and artificial structures as well as trees.

Habitat: Climate and elevation

The species occupies a wide climatic range, from rainforest and wet forest to arid central Australian ranges and drainage lines. The supplied documents do not provide a national elevation limit.

In arid Australia, reliable ground water, shallow water tables, productive soils, creek lines and protected rocky refuges are associated with occupied sites.

Foraging habitat: Food

Foraging occurs mainly at night in trees, shrubs and ground vegetation. The species can travel between den sites and feeding areas and may use substantial areas where food is sparse.

The diet consists mainly of leaves, flowers and fruit from trees, shrubs, vines and herbs. Grasses can be important in some southern areas, while fruit and flowers may form a much larger part of the diet in northern Australia.

Food plants recorded in central Australia include mistletoe, Acacia flowers and fruit, Santalum leaves, Marsdenia leaves, Solanum fruit and Euphorbia leaves. Small amounts of invertebrates, honeycomb, unfledged birds and other animal material may also be eaten.

  • Check mature eucalypts, mistletoe-bearing trees, flowering Acacia, fruiting shrubs and productive riparian vegetation.
  • Treat flowering and fruiting plants as feeding resources even when no den is present nearby.
  • Do not assume that a site is unsuitable because eucalypt foliage is sparse, as the diet varies with local food availability.

Foraging habitat: Feeding behaviour

The possum uses its hands to draw a leaf or fruit-bearing twig towards its mouth. It can use its prehensile tail for support while travelling and feeding on small branches.

A range of eucalypt species may be eaten in one night, although a single eucalypt species can dominate the diet at some sites. Mistletoe feeding can break plant material from the host and may reduce mistletoe loads on gum trees.

Foraging habitat: Foraging range

Australian home ranges average 5.4 ha for males and 2.4 ha for females, but animals at Hale River used mean home ranges of 44.21 ha. Range size changes with body size, food availability, den availability and the distance between den and feeding sites.

Males generally use larger areas than females, and home ranges can overlap. Young males usually disperse from the maternal area, while young females more often remain nearby.

Typical Australian home range: Males 5.4 ha; females 2.4 ha

Hale River mean home range: 44.21 ha

Irving Creek mean home range: 4.99 ha

Breeding habitat: Breeding biology

Breeding requires a secure den or pouch environment, nearby food and enough connected habitat for the female to forage while carrying or accompanying dependent young. Usually one young is raised at a time.

Females give birth to a single young after a short gestation. The young attaches to one of two teats in the pouch and remains there for about 170 to 190 days, then continues to suckle and develop outside the pouch.

Most births occur in autumn in many Australian populations. A smaller spring birth period occurs in some areas, while breeding can occur throughout the year in northern Australia and at central Australian study sites.

Typical birth period: Most births in autumn; additional spring births in some areas; breeding throughout the year in northern Australia

Litter size: Usually one young; twins are rare

Gestation: About 16 to 18 days, with parturition on day 16 to day 18 after fertilisation

Pouch period: About 170 to 190 days

Weaning: About 200 to 250 days

Female maturity: Females can breed in their first year, although breeding participation increases in later age classes

Male maturity: Most males mature in the second breeding season after birth

Lifespan: About 10 to 12 years commonly reported in the wild; maximum recorded age about 14 years

Breeding habitat: Breeding habitat features

Females need secure den sites close enough to feeding areas to support lactation and the later movement of the young. Important features include hollow-bearing trees, hollow logs, rock cavities, caves, dense vegetation and, in modified areas, roof cavities.

A juvenile may leave the pouch at about 150 to 170 days but remains dependent for longer. Young can remain associated with the mother and maternal den area for several additional months.

  • Inspect den trees and other shelter features before clearing, tree pruning, demolition or removal of roof structures.
  • Retain nearby food plants and movement cover around known or potential den sites.
  • Plan works to avoid disturbing den sites during periods when pouch young or recently emerged young may be present.

Sheltering habitat: Natural refuges

The Common Brushtail Possum usually shelters alone during the day in a den. Den availability can determine local occupancy and the location of home ranges.

Preferred refuges include hollows in living or dead trees, hollow logs, dense vegetation, rock crevices, caves and cavities among boulders or rock piles. On Kangaroo Island, animals have been recorded using ground burrows made by other animals.

In central Australia, animals at the Hale River site mainly denned in caves or rock cavities, while animals at Irving Creek denned in large river red gums along the drainage line.

Sheltering habitat: Den trees and use

Home ranges are centred on den hollows. Adult possums usually use dens alone, although a tree with more than one den may house a male and female. Young and subordinate animals may overlap the home ranges of established adults.

The supplied documents do not give a standard entrance diameter or internal hollow size for this species. All potentially suitable hollows should therefore be treated as habitat during pre-clearance inspection.

Den spacing information: The species may use multiple den sites within its home range; no standard den dimensions are provided

  • Inspect trunks, limbs, fallen logs, rock cavities and roof spaces before disturbance.
  • Retain hollow-bearing trees wherever practicable, including standing dead trees where safety allows.
  • Use an appropriate fauna spotter catcher and follow state or territory procedures if a possum is found in a den or refuge.

Sheltering habitat: Modified shelters

Urban and peri-urban possums may use roof cavities and other dark, confined spaces. These sites can be occupied during the day and should be checked before demolition, roof replacement or building modification.

Relocation is not a simple mitigation measure. The species is territorial, and relocated animals may die or be unable to establish a suitable den and feeding area.

Threats: Clearing and fragmentation

Threats vary between regions. On project sites, the main risks are removal of den trees and refuges, loss of feeding vegetation, fragmentation, altered fire and water regimes, vehicle interaction and increased exposure to predators.

Clearing can remove hollow-bearing trees, food plants, den trees and movement cover. Fragmentation can increase the distance between dens, food and water and can isolate small populations.

Mature eucalypts are particularly important because suitable hollows may take 50 to 200 years to form, and at least 200 years in some trees.

  • Complete targeted searches for dens and hollow-bearing trees before clearing or tree pruning.
  • Retain mature hollow-bearing trees, fallen hollow logs, rock refuges and connected vegetation.
  • Avoid leaving isolated den trees without safe access to nearby feeding habitat.

Threats: Fire, drought and hydrology

Drought can reduce food supplies, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas. Changed fire patterns can remove refuge vegetation and alter productive food patches.

In central Australia, reliable ground water, shallow water tables, creek lines and productive soils are associated with refuge habitat. Changes to drainage, groundwater, creek flows or riparian vegetation can reduce habitat quality.

  • Protect riparian vegetation, wet gullies and other areas with reliable moisture.
  • Avoid broad, high-intensity burns that remove den trees, rock shelter vegetation or key food plants.
  • Assess how drainage, dewatering, road runoff and altered fire access may affect nearby refuge habitat.

Threats: Predators, roads and introduced animals

Known predators include foxes, cats, dogs, owls, pythons, varanids and Tasmanian Devils. Roads and construction access can increase the risk of vehicle collision and can make movement between den and feeding areas more hazardous.

In arid Australia, rabbits and livestock have contributed to habitat degradation, while predator effects can change when rabbit abundance changes. The effect of each pressure varies between riparian lowlands and rocky ranges.

  • Use fauna exclusion, speed controls and night movement controls where roads cross occupied habitat.
  • Prevent domestic dogs and cats from entering retained habitat near works.
  • Manage construction waste, food and shelter that could attract predators or competing animals.

Threats: Disease and handling

The species carries a range of parasites and diseases. Leptospirosis and tuberculosis are identified as the main infections of concern to humans and livestock in the supplied material.

Use appropriate hygiene, personal protective equipment and wildlife handling procedures when inspecting dens, handling animals or dealing with carcasses.

Threats: Relocation and urban conflict

Possums may enter roof cavities and gardens in urban areas. Removing an animal without addressing entry points can result in repeated occupation or harm to the animal.

Relocation can be harmful because individuals are territorial and may be unable to find a suitable den, food supply or social space in the release area.

  • Obtain the required advice and approvals before capture or relocation.
  • Where practicable, identify and close building entry points only after confirming that no animal or dependent young remains inside.
  • Retain or provide suitable nearby shelter and feeding habitat when managing urban conflicts.

Survey methodology: 1. Daytime habitat and den searches

Survey effort should reflect the species’ nocturnal behaviour, use of tree hollows and other confined dens, and low detectability where densities are low. Common Brushtail Possums may occur in woodland, rainforest, creek lines, rocky ranges, suburban areas and arid refuges, so methods must suit the habitat being cleared.

Search the development footprint and adjoining retained habitat during daylight for hollow-bearing trees, hollow logs, rock cavities, caves, dense vegetation and other confined den sites.

Record each potential den location, its feature type, position, photographs and relationship to the proposed works.

Give particular attention to mature eucalypts and other trees capable of forming hollows, because suitable hollows may take 50 to 200 years to develop and at least 200 years in some eucalypts.

Inspect creek lines, rocky ranges and drainage lines separately, as the species may den in large river red gums, rock cavities or caves depending on the site.

Survey methodology: 2. Spotlighting

Conduct spotlighting after dark when Common Brushtail Possums are active and moving between dens and feeding sites.

Walk or drive fixed transects through woodland, creek lines, rocky areas and retained vegetation, recording the route, start and finish times, weather, observers, distance surveyed and all detections.

Search tree crowns, hollow entrances, trunks, ground cover and the edges of clearings with a hand-held spotlight.

Record the animal’s location, behaviour, height, direction of travel and whether it enters a den or moves towards the proposed clearing.

Repeat spotlighting when the first survey is affected by rain, strong wind, poor visibility or unsafe access. The supplied documents do not specify a minimum number of nights or transect length for this species, so the ecologist should set effort from the footprint size, habitat complexity and detection risk.

Survey methodology: 3. Stagwatching and den monitoring

Watch identified hollow-bearing trees, rock cavities, caves and other likely dens from a position that does not block the animal’s movement.

Conduct observations after dark and continue for a period set by the ecologist for the site and number of potential dens.

Record emergence, re-entry, use by adults or juveniles, and any evidence that a den is occupied.

Use remote cameras where direct observation is unsafe, access is difficult or occupancy is uncertain. This is particularly useful where densities are low or a presence record needs confirmation.

Survey methodology: 4. Sign, records and local information

Search below trees and dens for scats, scratches, hair, feeding remains and other signs of use, while recording the feature and its position.

Ask landholders, Traditional Owners, local residents and land managers about recent sightings, den trees and seasonal use of the site.

Treat local reports as supporting evidence and confirm uncertain records with spotlighting, camera monitoring or den observations.

Use remote cameras or hair sampling as supplementary methods where spotlighting is unlikely to provide a reliable result.

Survey methodology: Minimum effort and reporting

  • Survey the full disturbance footprint and all habitat features that may be used for dens, feeding or movement, and document the area, dates, times, weather, observers, methods and effort for every survey.
  • Set the number of survey nights, observation periods and cameras from the size of the area, habitat types, number of potential dens and consequences of a missed detection, because the supplied documents do not prescribe a Common Brushtail Possum effort standard.
  • Complete surveys close enough to clearing to identify occupied dens and dependent young before machinery enters the site.
  • Map all records and potential den features in the project environmental records.
  • Submit confirmed records, including zero detections where required, to the relevant state or territory wildlife database and provide records required under approval conditions.
  • Retain photographs, GPS files, field sheets, camera records and fauna handling forms with the project environmental documentation.

Before habitat disturbance: Avoid and minimise

Plan the work around the species’ denning, feeding and movement requirements. Avoid removing mature hollow-bearing trees, connected vegetation and refuge habitat wherever practicable.

  • Redesign the footprint to retain mature trees with hollows, hollow logs, dense vegetation, creek-line trees, rocky refuges and other dark confined spaces used as dens.
  • Retain groups of trees and continuous or stepping-stone vegetation between den sites, feeding areas and water sources rather than leaving isolated trees.
  • Retain old trees even when dead if they contain hollows, because Common Brushtail Possums use hollow branches, trunks and fallen logs for daytime shelter.
  • Avoid clearing in arid refuge areas with reliable ground water, higher soil nutrients and perennial food plants, where populations may persist after broader declines.
  • Keep a practical separation between machinery and retained den trees, roots, trunks and vegetation, with the distance set by the project ecologist and approval conditions.
  • Do not relocate a possum simply to remove it from a roof, tree or construction area without advice and approval, because the species is territorial and relocated animals may die.

Before habitat disturbance: Approvals and work planning

  • Confirm whether the proposed action requires referral or approval under the EPBC Act because the project brief identifies the species as nationally Vulnerable.
  • Check the relevant state or territory listing, wildlife permits, clearing approvals, animal ethics requirements and fauna handling authorisations before work starts.
  • Prepare a fauna management plan that identifies habitat to retain, survey methods, clearing limits, spotter catcher authority, stop-work triggers, release sites, incident response and reporting.
  • Schedule clearing outside periods when dependent young are likely to be present where the project program allows, noting that breeding can occur throughout the year and births have been recorded across most months in central Australia.
  • Stage clearing from the least disturbed edge towards retained habitat so animals have a clear route away from machinery.
  • Use additional planning controls in areas with known dens, high food availability, creek lines, rocky ranges or hollow-bearing trees.

Before habitat disturbance: Pre-clearance preparation

  • Complete a pre-clearance inspection immediately before work, including a daylight habitat check and targeted nocturnal check of potential dens.
  • Mark trees, logs, rocks, caves, burrows, dense vegetation and exclusion areas that must not be disturbed.
  • Use exclusion fencing only where it will not trap animals away from dens, food or escape routes, and inspect the fence daily while it remains in place.
  • Brief machine operators and supervisors on marked habitat, access limits, stop-work triggers, animal welfare requirements and the spotter catcher’s authority.
  • Confirm a nearby release area within retained suitable habitat before clearing begins, with permission from the land manager and any required authority.

During habitat disturbance: Daily controls

The fauna spotter catcher must have authority to stop work and must remain in direct communication with the operator. Clearing should proceed slowly enough to detect animals leaving hollows, logs, rocks and dense cover.

  • Inspect the work area each day before machinery starts, including marked trees, retained vegetation, logs, rocks, caves, drainage lines and exclusion fencing.
  • Confirm that the approved clearing boundary has not changed and that the spotter catcher has a clear view of the active work area.
  • Keep machinery outside marked exclusion areas and prevent workers, vehicles and materials from blocking escape routes to retained habitat.
  • Clear in stages from the disturbed edge towards retained habitat, avoiding sudden isolation of a den tree or patch of cover.
  • Stop work during conditions that prevent reliable detection, including poor visibility, unsafe wind or other conditions identified in the fauna management plan.

During habitat disturbance: Spotter catcher and machinery

  • Place the fauna spotter catcher where the machine operator can see and hear clear stop or slow-down instructions.
  • Require the spotter catcher to inspect each tree, log, rock feature and patch of dense cover before it is felled, moved or crushed.
  • Use slow, controlled dismantling for occupied or potentially occupied hollow-bearing trees, with the spotter catcher checking hollows, branches and the ground after each stage.
  • Do not allow the operator to continue while the spotter catcher is handling an animal, checking a suspected den or investigating a movement or call.
  • Record every stop, animal sighting, habitat feature affected, action taken and time work resumed.

During habitat disturbance: Animals and habitat features

  • If a possum is found, stop nearby work, keep people and machinery back, and allow the animal a clear route to retained habitat where safe.
  • Do not chase, corner, grab or handle the animal unless the person is authorised, trained and acting under the fauna management plan and applicable permit.
  • Use a qualified fauna handler for capture, examination, transport and release, and minimise handling time, noise, heat and exposure.
  • Release a healthy animal into nearby retained habitat that contains suitable den sites, food plants and cover, subject to approval and advice from the relevant wildlife authority.
  • Treat pouch young, dependent young and females with a pouch as high welfare risks, and obtain specialist advice before any capture or relocation.
  • Send injured or ill animals to an appropriately qualified veterinarian or authorised wildlife carer, and record the outcome.
  • Do not fill, block or destroy a hollow, cave, rock cavity, hollow log or other den feature until the spotter catcher has confirmed that it is clear and the feature is approved for removal.
  • Keep suitable logs, rocks and other refuge features in place where possible, or move them under ecological supervision to retained habitat if approved.

During habitat disturbance: Stop-work triggers and records

  • Stop work immediately if a Common Brushtail Possum, dependent young, occupied den or injured animal is found within or beside the work area.
  • Stop work if a hollow-bearing tree, cave, rock cavity, hollow log or other marked refuge cannot be safely inspected before disturbance.
  • Stop work if an animal enters machinery, becomes trapped, is injured, or cannot reach retained habitat safely.
  • Notify the site supervisor, project environmental officer and relevant authority where required by the approval or fauna management plan.
  • Record the date, time, location, animal status, habitat feature, photographs, people involved, handling, release or treatment details and any approval notification.

After habitat disturbance: Post-clearance checks

Post-clearance checks must confirm that no animals, dependent young or den features were missed. Retained habitat and fauna controls must remain effective through construction and operation.

  • Inspect the cleared area, retained vegetation, tree bases, felled material, rock piles and machinery exclusion areas after each clearing stage.
  • Recheck trees or features that were retained but disturbed by vibration, falling material, access tracks or changed drainage.
  • Conduct follow-up nocturnal spotlighting or camera monitoring where a den was occupied, an animal was relocated, or detection during clearing was uncertain.
  • Check that relocated animals have access to food plants, cover and suitable den sites, and investigate repeated movements into the construction area.
  • Remove temporary fencing only when it no longer protects retained habitat or creates a risk of trapping animals.

After habitat disturbance: Monitoring and reporting

  • Monitor retained den trees, hollow logs, rocky refuges, creek-line vegetation and planted areas at the frequency set in the approval or fauna management plan.
  • Compare post-clearance records with pre-clearance records, including detections, den use, injuries, relocations, mortalities and habitat removed.
  • Report incidents, non-compliance, animal injuries, deaths and unexpected den loss to the project environmental officer and relevant authority within the required timeframe.
  • Submit required fauna records to the relevant state or territory wildlife database and retain all supporting location and effort information.
  • Review monitoring results after each construction stage and change exclusion areas, timing or methods where animals continue to enter the work area.

After habitat disturbance: Ongoing controls and offsets

  • Maintain retained vegetation, den trees, exclusion fencing, fauna crossings and other controls for the period specified in project approvals.
  • Protect retained hollow-bearing trees from later pruning, fire, soil compaction, lighting and vehicle impact.
  • Apply approved offsets or conservation measures where residual impacts cannot be avoided or minimised, and document how they address lost den, feeding and movement habitat.
  • Include the species in operational incident response where roads, lighting, buildings, fences or maintenance activities may cause ongoing harm.

Rehabilitation actions: Restore food and cover

Rehabilitation should replace the habitat functions lost through clearing, with emphasis on den sites, food plants, cover, movement routes and refuge from fire and predators. Success should be measured by habitat establishment and confirmed use, not planting alone.

  • Replant locally appropriate native trees, shrubs, vines and mistletoe host vegetation that provide leaves, flowers and fruit for the species at the site.
  • Use local reference vegetation to select plant species, because diet varies with location and may include eucalypt leaves, mistletoe, acacia flowers and fruits, shrub leaves, vine leaves, fruit and ephemeral herbs.
  • Re-establish continuous native vegetation between retained trees, creek lines, rocky refuges and feeding areas where construction has fragmented habitat.
  • Control weeds that suppress native food plants or dense cover, using methods that do not expose animals to poisoning, entrapment or sudden loss of refuge.

Rehabilitation actions: Replace den features

  • Retain existing hollow-bearing trees and protect them from fire, compaction, vehicle strike and later maintenance.
  • Install nest boxes only where natural hollows are absent or insufficient, using designs and placement approved by the project ecologist and land manager.
  • Retain or reinstate hollow logs, rock piles, rock crevices and other dark confined spaces that can provide daytime shelter.
  • Place replacement features within retained habitat and near established feeding vegetation, rather than in exposed cleared ground.
  • Record the location, design, installation date and inspection results for every nest box or replacement refuge.

Rehabilitation actions: Water, fire and predators

  • Protect creek lines, drainage-line trees and reliable water sources from erosion, sediment, altered drainage and excessive night lighting.
  • Use patch burning or other approved fire planning to prevent large fires entering occupied rocky-range refuges, while following the responsible land manager’s fire regime.
  • Maintain dense refuge vegetation and avoid creating easy predator access along cleared edges and roads.
  • Manage foxes, cats and dogs where approved and where predation risk is identified, using methods that comply with state law and the project management plan.
  • Control introduced herbivores where they degrade food plants, creek-line vegetation or other habitat used by the species.

Rehabilitation actions: Success measures

  • Inspect planted areas for survival, natural recruitment, weed cover, browsing, fire damage and connection to retained habitat.
  • Inspect nest boxes, hollow logs and rock refuges for structural condition and use, using daylight checks, cameras and nocturnal spotlighting where suitable.
  • Record Common Brushtail Possum detections, den use, signs, injuries and mortalities during rehabilitation monitoring.
  • Use the pre-clearance survey as the reference for habitat features and detection effort, and set corrective actions if den features, food plants or movement routes are not being restored.
  • Continue monitoring for the period required by approvals, with results reported to the project environmental officer and relevant authority.

Sources