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 now closed.
|
The 2026 Annual Ringtail Tally is now complete!
We thank everyone who contributed to this worthwhile citizen science activity and congratulations to all the prize winners. If you missed your chance to participate this year the Tally will return in 2027. Subscribe to our Newsletter to receive notifications and the final results of this years Tally. For further information visit GeoCatch (Geographe Catchment) https://geocatch.asn.au/protecting-biodiversity/ringtail-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]
|
| ||||
This project received grant funding from the Australian Government’s Saving Native Species Program
