The critically endangered Western Ringtail Possum (Pseudocheirus occidentalis) was once found throughout the South West from north of Perth to the Nullabor Plain but is currently confined to only 3 areas in the South West, including Albany. The total population is estimated to be less than 8,000 individuals.
It is suggested that watered gardens in peri-urban areas may act as climate refuges as their range shrinks due to habitat loss and a drying climate. But the urban landscape presents its own perils to the Possums survival. Through raising community awareness of these threats and encouraging responsible pet ownership this Saving Native Species joint project aims to understand and improve the conservation of the increasingly urban population of the Western Ringtail Possum.
Through the "Climate-resilient conservation of urban Western ringtail possum populations" project Oyster Harbour Catchment Group have delivered a number of events which include, guided spotlight walks, the Annual Ringtail Tally citizen science program, local school incursions, communication materials and responsible pet ownership community workshops. We also gave away free "Pets Aways Possums Play" Bin Stickers and created a free Kids Activity Booklet which is available for download below. We want to thank all those who participated in the 2025 Annual Ringtail Tally and the online Western ringtail possum Awareness Survey. The 2026 Annual Ringtail Tally runs from 1st April to 2nd May 2026. Details on how to get involved are below, we encourage you to attend the Tally Training Workshop on 7th March 2026.
Project partners Torbay Catchment Group and South Coast NRM are also delivering a number of events so please visit their websites to find out more.
It is suggested that watered gardens in peri-urban areas may act as climate refuges as their range shrinks due to habitat loss and a drying climate. But the urban landscape presents its own perils to the Possums survival. Through raising community awareness of these threats and encouraging responsible pet ownership this Saving Native Species joint project aims to understand and improve the conservation of the increasingly urban population of the Western Ringtail Possum.
Through the "Climate-resilient conservation of urban Western ringtail possum populations" project Oyster Harbour Catchment Group have delivered a number of events which include, guided spotlight walks, the Annual Ringtail Tally citizen science program, local school incursions, communication materials and responsible pet ownership community workshops. We also gave away free "Pets Aways Possums Play" Bin Stickers and created a free Kids Activity Booklet which is available for download below. We want to thank all those who participated in the 2025 Annual Ringtail Tally and the online Western ringtail possum Awareness Survey. The 2026 Annual Ringtail Tally runs from 1st April to 2nd May 2026. Details on how to get involved are below, we encourage you to attend the Tally Training Workshop on 7th March 2026.
Project partners Torbay Catchment Group and South Coast NRM are also delivering a number of events so please visit their websites to find out more.
2026 Annual Ringtail Tally - 1st April to 2nd May
Annual Ringtail Tally 2026 Data Submission
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The Annual Ringtail Tally returns again in 2026 and we would love for you to get involved. Running from Wednesday 1st April to Saturday 2nd May, the tally involves members of the public counting the number of western ringtail possums they see on any given night in their local patch – this can be a backyard, or a small patch of bush nearby. The tally occurs across the ringtail’s range, and helps conservationists understand how the Critically Endangered species is tracking. You can submit as little as one survey per site, although 2 per week per site is the recommended number. Participants are welcome to survey multiple sites if desired.
This year, the Tally is going online. You can submit a tally on your phone or computer, simply click the button below . If you complete more than one tally at your site, your second and subsequent entries will be shorter and faster. |
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Instructions for completing the Tally:
1. Select your site. For this tally, the most common location is your own backyard, however a small suburban park or patch of bushland is also acceptable.
2. After dark, conduct your search for as long or short as you would like (ideally no more than 30 minutes). Note down the maximum number of western ringtail possums seen (don't count the same individuals twice!). If your site is not well lit, a torch/flashlight can be useful to help spot possums - just avoid shining light into their eyes for extended periods (a red light is preferred if you have one). If known, note down the tree species any possums are using, along with any other wildlife seen during your survey. If you don't see any western ringtail possums, please still submit your form (with a zero for number seen) - this is still very useful information!
3. Some site details will need to be noted – the approximate size of the area surveyed, the type of site (e.g. suburban garden, native bushland), and whether any pets live at the location.
4. There are some optional questions about whether you have seen any signs of western ringtail possums in the past year. If you have already completed a tally for 2026 you do not need to complete this section again.
4. Submit a separate tally form for each location on each night surveyed. You will be able to skip some of the questions if you complete multiple surveys at the same site.
2. After dark, conduct your search for as long or short as you would like (ideally no more than 30 minutes). Note down the maximum number of western ringtail possums seen (don't count the same individuals twice!). If your site is not well lit, a torch/flashlight can be useful to help spot possums - just avoid shining light into their eyes for extended periods (a red light is preferred if you have one). If known, note down the tree species any possums are using, along with any other wildlife seen during your survey. If you don't see any western ringtail possums, please still submit your form (with a zero for number seen) - this is still very useful information!
3. Some site details will need to be noted – the approximate size of the area surveyed, the type of site (e.g. suburban garden, native bushland), and whether any pets live at the location.
4. There are some optional questions about whether you have seen any signs of western ringtail possums in the past year. If you have already completed a tally for 2026 you do not need to complete this section again.
4. Submit a separate tally form for each location on each night surveyed. You will be able to skip some of the questions if you complete multiple surveys at the same site.
South Coast Participants
If you would prefer to complete your tally on a printed form, one can be downloaded by clicking the button below . If you would prefer a hard copy mailed to you, please get in touch. Please email completed forms to [email protected] by 16th May 2026, or mail to Oyster Harbour Catchment Group.
All South Coast participants go into the draw to win a voucher for one of three local businesses (Trailblazers, Handasyde’s and Museum of the Great Southern).
All South Coast participants go into the draw to win a voucher for one of three local businesses (Trailblazers, Handasyde’s and Museum of the Great Southern).
Terms and Conditions
Throughout the Tally we encourage participants to take appropriate precautions by wearing correct clothing and footwear, notifying others of their intended activity and location and ensuring they have sought appropriate permissions to access locations outside of their own property boundary. Please note public areas such as parks or nature reserves are accessible to the public but not all areas of native or remnant bushland are public land, these may be held by private entities. Check with the City of Albany or Oyster Harbour Catchment Group if you are unsure.
We also encourage participants to conduct the Tally by spotlighting or recording incidental occurrences of Western ringtail possums. We note that some members of the public may observe the possums on home security cameras or personal wildlife cameras. Recordings of possum sightings from these means is acceptable in the Tally but we ask anyone using this methodology to adhere to legislation relating to privacy, respect the privacy of your surrounding neighborhood at all times.
We also encourage participants to conduct the Tally by spotlighting or recording incidental occurrences of Western ringtail possums. We note that some members of the public may observe the possums on home security cameras or personal wildlife cameras. Recordings of possum sightings from these means is acceptable in the Tally but we ask anyone using this methodology to adhere to legislation relating to privacy, respect the privacy of your surrounding neighborhood at all times.
The Annual Ringtail Tally overall is coordinated by GeoCatch, in partnership with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. The tally is coordinated by Oyster Harbour Catchment Group for the south coast region. More information on the tally and how the results are used can be found here: https://geocatch.asn.au/living-with-possums/possum-tally/
Western Ringtail Possum Activity Booklet
A Free Kids Activity
As part of the project our team have created a kids activity booklet focused on the Western Ringtail possum. The booklet contains traditional activities like colouring in, word search and spot the difference, along with practical activities like searching for possums, and making your own drey (possum nest). Artwork by Eve Young Art.
The 12 page booklet is available digitally by clicking below or you can pick up a hard copy from the OHCG office or at one of our upcoming events, including school incursions. The suggested age for the booklet is 7-12, but younger and older children will also find something to enjoy inside. If you would like a large quantity of printed booklets for a community group or school group, please contact Project Officer Cassie Dressler [email protected]
As part of the project our team have created a kids activity booklet focused on the Western Ringtail possum. The booklet contains traditional activities like colouring in, word search and spot the difference, along with practical activities like searching for possums, and making your own drey (possum nest). Artwork by Eve Young Art.
The 12 page booklet is available digitally by clicking below or you can pick up a hard copy from the OHCG office or at one of our upcoming events, including school incursions. The suggested age for the booklet is 7-12, but younger and older children will also find something to enjoy inside. If you would like a large quantity of printed booklets for a community group or school group, please contact Project Officer Cassie Dressler [email protected]
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This project received grant funding from the Australian Government’s Saving Native Species Program
