Western Ringtail Possums: Core Habitat, Abundance, and Distribution

What is the best way to classify the images?

The most accurate classifications can be made by using the "Field Guide" located on the right hand side of the screen. This provides a photo of the animal and useful tips for identifying species. Additional information is required if the image is of a Western Ringtail Possum. Help in answering these additional questions can be found in the "Need some help with this task" tab.

What are the results and classifications used for?##

The backyard camera research results will be used to assist in determining how important backyards are as Western Ringtail Possum habitat. Frequent use of backyards (frequent numbers of images) will indicate that individuals use them, if not exclusively, then at least as a portion of their home range. This will help guide management of urban populations. This information will compliment current University of Western Australia research that is aiming to radiocollar urban possums to determine if backyards constitute the whole home ranges of some individuals, and what makes a "ideal" possum backyard.

The images will also give us an insight into what other fauna are using backyards, and in particular if domestic cats are present in backyards at night, and therefore pose a threat to Ringtail Possums. This information can be used to raise awareness for cat owners to keep cats indoors at night.