Possum pill breakthrough

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A breakthrough in the search for a possum contraceptive could cut the use of the controversial pest-control poison 1080.

A new hormone disruption treatment has been successfully trialled by injecting captive possums at Wellington Zoo, making some infertile for up to two years.

The challenge now is to find a way of introducing the method to possums in the wild, possibly using baits.

"It was an exciting result, but delivery is the key, and we hope to have some field trials under way by 2013," Associate Professor Doug Eckery, of Victoria University, said.

The brushtail possum is an introduced marsupial that has become New Zealand's leading pest in both ecological and economical terms, with an estimated population of 70 million.

About $110 million is spent each year trying to control the species using poison, including 1080, which some groups say causes harm to native bird and animal life.

The new research, carried out by the university's School of Biological Sciences and the National Research Centre for Possum Biocontrol, focused on the formation of ovaries, the regulation of hormones and the growth of eggs.

"First we identified a hormone produced in the brain that is a key regulator of fertility in possums. In subsequent studies, we've been able to successfully disrupt the actions of this hormone," Prof Eckery said.

There was a move toward non-lethal possum control methods.

"Following the recent reassessment of 1080 poison in New Zealand by the Environmental Risk Management Authority, a recommendation was given for more research into alternative methods of possum control."

Conservation Department spokesman Herb Christophers welcomed the breakthrough, and said it would be keen to support field trials "if appropriate".

"Any tool we can get to try and reduce possum populations is a benefit."

Wellington Zoo chief executive Karen Fifield said the project fitted its aim of protecting native plant and animal life.

- © Fairfax NZ News