Today in our environmental science lecture, we're discussing the impact of urban development on local wildlife. A recent study in Melbourne focused on the common brushtail possum. Researchers found that possums in suburban areas have adapted their diets, consuming more garden plants and even human food scraps. However, this adaptation has led to a decrease in their natural intake of eucalyptus leaves, which are essential for their dental health. The study also noted that possum populations in parks within the city have remained stable, but those in residential zones show higher rates of tooth decay. Therefore, while urban areas provide new food sources, they pose long-term health risks for these animals.