Field guide
Brushtail possum
The most widespread and most recorded pest mammal in New Zealand. Possums browse native forest, prey on eggs and chicks, and carry bovine TB, which is why they are the primary target of most 1080 operations.
Trichosurus vulpecula
Where you’ll find them
Nocturnal and near-ubiquitous. Usually controlled by trapping or poison rather than hunted, though shooting is common on farmland at night.
Dogs and 1080
Possums are the main target of 1080, so possum country and 1080 country are effectively the same country. This is the species whose control most affects dog safety.
Check 1080 operationsBefore you go
Seasons, permits, firearms rules and access conditions differ by region and by land status, and they change. We don’t publish them — check with the authority for the land you’re on: DOC for public conservation land, your regional council for pest rules, and the landowner for private land.