Trichosurus vulpecula
Description
Brushtail Possums are large, nocturnal (night), arboreal (tree-living) mammals that can weigh up to 4 kilograms. They vary in colour, but are usually light grey with a bushy, black tail. Possums have adapted quickly to human habitation, and their numbers have increased due to the increased availability of food and shelter. Brushtail Possums are now the most abundant, widely distributed and frequently encountered Australian marsupial.
Their increased populations makes the grunting sound of territorial disputes a common occurrence in Brisbane backyards. Possums mark their territory with a scent released from glands on their chests.
Mating usually occurs in Autumn or Spring, with females giving birth to a joey. The young remain in the pouch for the next 4 months. Young are fully grown by about 1 year old.
Adaptations
- Large eyes and acute smell help them to find food in the night
- They are comfortable living in and around humans, varying their diet and shelter requirements to meet changes in habitat
Feeding relationships
- What I eat: mainly leaves, flowers, seeds and fruit, but will also eat insects and birds eggs if the opportunity arises
- What eats me: Carpet Python, Powerful Owl, Fox, Cat and Dog
Interesting facts
Brushtail possums have a bare patch on the underside of their tail which helps them to grip onto branches.