A long-life poison bait dispenser, consisting of a tree-mounted platform th
at dispenses a highly attractive liquid bait only when triggered by actions
characteristic of a possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), was developed. The liq
uid bait formulation prevents deterioration due to the action of oxygen, mo
isture, bacteria and insects. The prototype is designed to dispense 100 let
hal doses of poison, and is expected to last more than five years in the fi
eld without attention. The equipment is designed to avoid fouling by algae,
debris or nesting insects. The selectivity for possums provides a low risk
of exposing non-target mammals, birds and insects to poison. A reset delay
reduces the likelihood of over-consumption of bait.