The Possum-Tail Tree:
Understanding Possums through Citizen Science
A book about possums and Citizen Science
Philip Roetman and Christopher Daniels
Cartoons: Ross Bateup
Foreword: Matthew Abraham and David Bevan
144 pages
Awards:
If you would like to buy this book, see our books homepage: click here
Ever heard the sound of something running on (or in)
your roof? Ever lost your favourite rose bloom to a night-time feaster? Ever
woken to a loud thump in the night? Well, you are not alone. Hundreds of
thousands of others have too - and it seems they are happy about it, or at
least reasonably so. Why? Because they love the culprit.
The offending animal is a possum, one of Australia's most loved (if occasionally most hated) animals. Here we explore the results of 'Operation Possum' a state-wide survey of the location, habits and behaviour of possums in South Australia.
This survey also explored the attitudes of people towards these beautiful, yet mischievous marsupials. Our reactions to possums and our interactions with them are captured by many delightful and insightful stories that were submitted by over 2000 survey respondents during Operation Possum. The antics of possums with names like Percy, Mrs Fatbum and Jabba the Hut, in chimneys, roller doors, fruit trees and parks will make you laugh (often) and cry (occasionally), but most importantly will reflect your own experiences with these remarkable beasts.
 |
 |
 |
The book contains:
- Stories submitted by participants in the online survey (over 2,300 people submitted surveys)
- Cartoons of possums (and people) by Ross Bateup (see the examples above)
- Findings of the survey - with a particular focus on the management of possums
- An introduction to Citizen Science
- Information about possums
For information about Operation Possum, click here
Buy this book and see other items available from the Barbara Hardy Institute...
If you have any questions about purchasing, please contact Philip Roetman at UniSA, click here...