Increasing possum interaction rates with chew cards using new formulation lures

Measuring the frequency at which brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) interact with chew cards is a cost efficient way to identify the presence of possums, particularly when at low densities following population reductions. The effectiveness of a new combined olfactory and visual lure, Lure-it (TM) Spray and Blaze (LISB, Connovation Ltd), was evaluated against the standard flour/icing sugar lure (FIS). A total of 154 alternately lured chew cards were set in a 50 m x 50 m grid over 48 ha of regenerating forest. Possums were detected by 41.0%, 62.1% and 70.5% of chew cards baited with FIS, aniseed laced LISB and cinnamon laced LISB cards, respectively. LISB lures scented with cinnamon or aniseed were significantly more likely to detect possums than FIS lures (odds ratios 3.42 and 2.36, respectively). There was no such difference between cinnamon or aniseed scented lures. Lure-it Spray and Blaze has the potential to increase possum detection rates during surveillance operations.