About the Australian Brushtail Possum

Introduced to New Zealand 150 years ago to create a fur industry, the marsupial Brushtail possum was originally native to Australia.

Cloaked in ancient rain forest, isolated and uninhabited for millions of years, New Zealand evolved knowing only the unique sounds of its insect and bird life. Possums quickly adapted and thrived in this lush, predator free environment. Of all the introduced mammals, the possum is the most destructive biologically and economically. Selectively browsing plant species, preying on bird nests and posing real problems for fruit and crop farmers, the possum menace now requires huge amounts of manpower and money to contain it.  In some areas of New Zealand, the possum has destroyed the forest canopy and the home of many native species.

Estimations were, by 1980, that possums occupied 91% of the country, with a total population of approximately 60-70 million, two thirds of which were in the North Island. Possums also eat or destroy both eggs and chicks of native birds, many endangered, and compete with native species for food.

In New Zealand, there are two breeds of possum, Australian (rich blue grey fur) and Tasmanian (red brown fur), both of which interbreed. The fur of both is like thick plush, silky and hard wearing, lasting up to fifteen years. 

The harvesting of possums for fur is an integral part of the effort to save the native New Zealand flora and fauna. Purchase of Supreme Possum Merino yarn is another step in the conservation of New Zealand, as a portion of every sale goes into the preservation of New Zealand environment.