Comparison of the attractiveness of acoustic and visual stimuli for brushtail possums

Abstract

Population control of the brushtail possum using poisons and traps relies on their interaction with baits and trap mechanisms. It follows that lures that can consistently attract possums will help increase killing efficiency. We tested the effectiveness of two different types of stimulus (white light and an electronic pulse sound, “beep") for attracting possums. Seventeen wild‐caught possums were given a choice between two boxes, one of which had one of the stimuli associated with it and a plain control box. Attractiveness was assessed by scoring the incidence of three specific behaviours: approaching box, putting head into box, or entering box. Most animals interacted with at least one of the boxes, although there was a tendency for increased interest in both boxes when the light box was present. An equal number of possums entered the light and beep boxes, but a significant number repeatedly entered the beep box more often. Acoustic and visual lures may have a role in increasing the attractiveness of traps, thereby improving their effectiveness.