Survey seeks volunteer possum counters
![GeoCatch project officer Bree Brown is encouraging people to get involved in the possum count over the next month.](https://images.thewest.com.au/publication/YA-104286/b88129002z.1_20160429121336_000_gu6hf3i1.1_1-1bi5onj.jpg?imwidth=810&impolicy=wan_v3)
Residents are asked to become involved in a possum count that will help collect data on an endangered species.
GeoCatch and the Department of Parks and Wildlife are running a month-long survey in which locals will count western ringtail possums in their backyard, local park or bushland.
GeoCatch project officer Bree Brown said the inaugural count aimed to build up a reliable set of figures that would help improve knowledge about where the possums were found and in what numbers.
“The count is a way to build up data on the western ringtail possums and raise awareness,” she said.
While western ringtail possums are seen frequently around Busselton and Dunsborough, they are endangered and their population is shrinking each year.
Ms Brown said because they were seen frequently in the region, many people believed their population was large.
“It’s a common misconception that they are quite common but that is because we have the biggest population left here,” she said.
Ms Brown said the data collection would help in future planning decisions.
“We will use the data to know where the possums are what their numbers are and that can then be used for town planning decisions and conservation planning,” she said.
Ms Brown said taking part in the count was a great opportunity for people to get involved in assisting the possums.
“It’s a easy and fun way to get involved and to get out in the backyard,” she said.
“Kids can get involved and become a citizen scientist, helping to save an endangered species.”
To get involved, contatct Bree at GeoCatch at breanne.brown@water.wa.gov.au or phone 97810111 to register and receive a data recording sheet.
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