Problems encountered in feeding microencapsulated oils to a folivorous marsupial, the common ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus)

In our study of interactions between marsupial folivores and Eucalyptus, we have examined the role of terpenes, including the use of bioassay experime nts where terpenes are added to an artificial diet. In pursuit of greater e cological realism in these experiments, we have sought means of packaging t erpenes more realistically, by using microencapsulation to simulate oil gla nds of leaves. We report here on a preliminary experiment with microencapsu lated olive oil (intended for use as an experimental control) in which the food intake of the animals was substantially reduced, to the point that sta rvation appeared imminent and we aborted the experiment. We discuss why thi s occurred and recommend caution to others intending to use microencapsulat ed terpenes (or other oils) in herbivore diets.