But now, University of Otago environmental toxicology PhD student Ravneel Chand’s research has found it is actually possible to create a "possum pill" that will control the pest’s population by controlling its fertility.
He believed his work had proven it would be a less intrusive way to curtail New Zealand’s possum population, and it would also have less impact on other species than the more traditional methods.
Having grown up in Fiji, he knew the value of protecting unique environments, and was determined to find a way to help look after New Zealand’s environment.
"Through this study, I sought to provide a solution that would be more targeted at species-specific pests, minimising potential risks to other animals and the environment."
He said his preliminary evidence suggested the basal activity and protein content of the major drug-metabolising enzymes differed in possums compared with other test species such as mice, rats, birds and humans.
"This finding opened up exciting possibilities for achieving the ultimate goal of a potential target-specific fertility control method, tailored specifically for possums in New Zealand."
He believed his research addressed a critical environmental and agricultural challenge, and represented an opportunity to make a "meaningful difference" in environmental management.
"Possums pose a significant threat to New Zealand’s biodiversity and agricultural productivity, and finding an effective and humane method of controlling their population is important for sustainable management.
"Through exploring and developing targeted fertility control techniques, a balance can be struck between conservation efforts and the wellbeing of both native wildlife and human activities."
Mr Chand is now looking for funding to continue his research, in a bid to actually create the pill.
