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.
We 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.
We 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
(optional) Tally Training Workshop - Saturday 7th March
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Venue TBC | Time 6pm - 8pm
Are you considering participating in the 2026 Annual Ringtail Tally? Or you would just like to learn more about the adorable Western ringtail possum who live in the backyards of Albany? Come along the Tally Training Workshop to learn how easy it is to engage in citizen science and provide valuable information to aid the conservation of these possums. Learn all about Western ringtail possum biology and why they are a critically endangered species, followed by a guided spotlight with local ecologist Hannah Bannister.
Complimentary supper included in this free evening. Children are welcome. Please dress appropriately for walking outdoors on dark. Bring along a headtorch if you have one, there will be some available to borrow on the night. Registration is essential for catering. Follow the link below to register on Humanitix |
Annual Ringtail Tally Data Entry
The Annual Ringtail Tally is a citizen science project, aimed at developing a 'snapshot' of the current status of the Critically Endangered western ringtail possum. The tally runs over a one month period from 1st April to 2nd May. You can submit as little as one tally, or as many as one per night. It is recommended for best representation to complete 2 per week per site (8 Tallies total).
To complete a Tally in 3 easy steps:
1. Select your site, the most common sites selected are 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. Record the maximum number of western ringtail possums seen without counting the same individual possum twice. 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. Submit a tally form for each separate Tally/night.
Submit a Tally by clicking on the link below which will take you to Microsoft Forms. All entries go into the prize draw, 3 gift voucher from local Albany stores.
To complete a Tally in 3 easy steps:
1. Select your site, the most common sites selected are 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. Record the maximum number of western ringtail possums seen without counting the same individual possum twice. 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. Submit a tally form for each separate Tally/night.
Submit a Tally by clicking on the link below which will take you to Microsoft Forms. All entries go into the prize draw, 3 gift voucher from local Albany stores.
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
