Record number of citizen scientists take part in Ringtail Tally, showing signs of concern for species

A record number of citizen scientists took part in this year’s Ringtail Tally across the Leschenault Catchment, with the results showing cause for concern for the South West species.

The Leschenault Catchment Council took part in its fifth Ringtail Tally in partnership with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and GeoCatch — who have been running the program since 2016.

Citizen scientists spend evenings from April-May gathering data on western ringtail possums endemic to South West WA.

This year the LCC had a record number of participants taking part, with a spokesperson saying its participation had more than doubled since the group first joined the project in 2020.

During the recording period, the LCC had 56 citizen scientists who spent a total of 156 hours surveying for the marsupials.

They sighted 185 separate individuals — 100 more individual possums than were counted last year, and the highest number recorded across the four southern catchments surveying for possums.

In Peel-Yalgorup, 173 possums were identified, whereas 121 were seen within the GeoCatch region, and only 39 within the Oyster Harbour Catchment Council’s region around Albany.

The LCC spokesperson said the information gathered helped the group build a reliable set of observational data intended to help establish population trends and planning decisions around conservation projects.

“The data becomes more valuable each year the tally is repeated,” they said

“Involving the community in citizen science projects such as the Ringtail Tally fosters an interest from residents who live alongside possums, and it helps to raise awareness of the threats facing this important species.”

The LCC recorded 30 per cent of its sighted possums in peppermint trees — a known favourite food source for the marsupials.

“The finding that 30 per cent of western ringtail possums are feeding in peppermint trees highlights just how crucial these trees are for their survival,” the spokesperson said.

“It underscores the importance of preserving peppermint trees on private properties to support this critically endangered species.”

While a record number of living possums were recorded this year, the LCC’s tally showed a drastic increase in the deceased possums recorded within the Leschenault Catchment.

In 2021, 21 dead possums were counted; there were 22 recorded in 2022; and 27 in 2023.

This year’s discovery of 121 dead possums was a drastic increase, though the LCC spokesperson said they could not be sure what the cause was.

“Due to the increase in number of participants, you would expect more people to see more dead possums,” they said.

“It could also be a result of the harsh summer we experienced earlier this year that is making the species more vulnerable to other impacts.

“As our urban areas continue to expand, road traffic increases, and climate change continues, it is not surprising that we are seeing an increase in fatalities.

“However, it is a real concern that this species continues to face so many challenges, and it is up to us to help protect and conserve our existing possums so that they can continue on for generations.”

Most of the dead possums recorded met their end as roadkill, with 87.6 per cent of this year’s recorded deaths coming from roadways.

Roadkill has consistently been the leading cause of deaths to possums over the LCC’s five years surveying.

“To help reduce these impacts, the Leschenault Catchment Council encourages drivers to stay alert and travel slowly to avoid striking possums on the road,” the spokesperson said.

“If you find an injured possum call the DBCA Wildcare Helpline on (08) 9474 9055 or FAWNA on 0438 526 660 for advice on what to do.

“They can put you in touch with the nearest volunteer wildlife carer or vet that can take the animal for examination or treatment. In most cases there will be no cost to you.”