A live-trapping of Australian brush-tailed possums, Trichosurus vulpecula (Kerr), in the Orongorongo Valley, Wellington, New Zealand

摘要: A live-trapping study of a population Australian brush-tailed possums, Trichosurus vulpecula (Kerr), in indigenous forest the Orongorongo Valley, Wellington, N.Z., was carried out from March 1966 to November 1968. In 14 ha podocarp-mixed broadleaf forest, 301 possums (150; 151) were individually marked and repeatedly captured series trapping periods. The comprised residents transients both sexes with sub- adults forming bulk latter, particularly spring. estimated density varied 10.6 per 6.4 August There one well-defined season births each autumn few winter. On average, 73% (67-92%) mature females produced pouch young year. Females resident throughout had highest breeding success (79%). Achievement sexual maturity delayed; no bred until they 2 yr old, some not even at 3 yr. Losses occurred all stages life history averaged 62% between subadult stages; thus only 28 subadults 100 recruited. Adult losses 26% annum. males (mean weight 2.46 kg) heavier than adult (2.33 kg). Weights seasonally, heaviest summer lightest spring, winter summer. Possums rather sedentary, (95% captures within 115 m initial capture site) being less so (95 % 90 site). More half (55% for males, females) made 30 site capture. Males moved farther other seasons, while did Subadults apparently more sedentary adults. Home ranges 0.81 ha) significantly larger those (0.46 ha). Considerable overlapping occurred, territorial behaviour conspicuous. dispersion remained same although component individuals changed. results present are compared similar studies New Zealand Australia, dynamics Valley possum discussed reference variable rates reproduction mortality.