Effects of introduced Australian brushtail possums(Trichosurus vulpecula) on the fruiting of the endemic New Zealand nikau palm(Rhopalostylis sapida)

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Abstract
Introduced Australian brushtail possums destroyed the large fleshy inflorescence of the endemic New Zealand nikau palm by browsing the flowers and eating through the base of the spadix. During 1978-83, when possum numbers were high, only one of nine nikau in a small area (8 ha) of podocarp/mixed hardwood forest fruited successfully. Eradication of possums in 1984-85 resulted in successful fruiting by all trees.