Possum in New Zealand
The brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) was introduced to New Zealand in 1837 to establish the fur industry. As there are no natural predators the number of possums has increased dramatically.
Today well over 60 million possums are munching their way every night through 20.000 tons of New Zealand's native bush. The unique nature of the island is defenseless against possums. They are a serious threat for the ecological balance as well as for many native plants and birds, including the Kiwi, which are under threat of extinction.
The only way to decrease the numbers of possums is to market possum products worldwide. People who care about the unique New Zealand environment should buy possum products. Apart from other conservation groups even the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) is supporting the possum elimination programm and recommends to buy possum products to finance these programs. Through the Habitat Protection Fund, WWF has distributed more than NZ$ 1.400.000 to over 150 local conservation projects in New Zealand since 2000.
“We'd like to see all possums as dead possums. From a conservation perspective, they are New Zealand's number one pest problem.” Eric Pyle, conservation director - WWF-NZ
New Zealand possum fur blended with merino wool is a luxurious, warm, soft, antistatic and anti-allergic fibre. An affordable luxury for everyone. By buying possum yarns you will help to maintain the environment.