Tasmanian devils slash population of brushtail possums that ‘overwhelmed’ tiny island
by Donna Lu Science writer from Environment | The Guardian on (#69TA2)
Possums on Maria Island expanded beyond usual habitat and had become pretty significant predator'
- Follow our Australia news live blog for the latest updates
- Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast
The introduction of Tasmanian devils to Maria Island halved the population of brushtail possums, according to new research that suggests restoring top predators to ecosystems could help limit the number of overabundant prey.
In 2012, the carnivorous marsupials were introduced to the island off the east coast of Tasmania to create a geographically isolated insurance population free from devil facial tumour disease.
Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup
Continue reading...