EVERY NIGHT IN NEW ZEALAND 70 MILLION OPOSSUMS EAT 21,000 TONNES OF VEGETATION.

(The equivalent of 3 rugby fields of trees)

_{From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia}

_{A possum is any of about 64 small to medium-sized arboreal marsupial species native to Australia, New Guinea, and Sulawesi (and introduced to New Zealand). The name derives from their resemblance to the opossums of the Americas. (The name is from Algonquianwapathemwa, not Greek or Latin, so the plural is possums, not possa.) Possum is also used in North America as a diminutive for the Virginia Opossum. The possum's rank odour is due to its large musk glands located behind each ear.}

The unique qualities of opossum fur

The fur has a hollow core, the significance of this being that the hollow core traps a tunnel of air that provides extra-ordinary warmth even greater than merino wool. The only other animal with a fur of hollow core construction is the Polar Bear.

The opossum fur is a retardant to pilling, when blended with Merino wool it eliminates pilling (balls on the fabric surface) that can occur in a Merino wool fabric. This feature is a real benefit to the wearer, as it extends the new "unworn" look of the fabric from months to years.

There is an enzyme on the opossum fur that according to scientific tests has been reputed to combat skin diseases.

The links below will give you some idea about the damage and problems caused by the opossum in NZ.

Further Reading
http://www.teara.govt.nz/1966/M/MammalsIntroduced/AustralianOpossums/en

http://www.wairereboulders.co.nz/schaad/pest/possum.htm

Possums and possum control; effects on lowland forest ecosystems.pdf