Common Brushtail Possum
(Trichosurus vulpecula)
Identification:
Considerable
colour and size variation, silver grey above, may have rufous
on the shoulders, light under, large ears, dark markings on
face, dark bushy tail with naked area under, sharp claws, forefeet
have five toes radiating from the palm, hind feet have an hallux
and the second and third toes are syndactylous and are used
for grooming, scent glands on chest (leaves a dark stain).
Weight:
Ranges
from about 2kg to 3.5kg.
Habitat:
Sclerophyll
forest and woodland
Nest
Type:
Tree hollows
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Biology:
Brushtails
are nocturnal, arboreal (although they spend considerable time
on the ground), solitary, and very territorial. Scent glands are
used to mark areas and define occupancy. Brushtails use tree hollows
for shelter, but have adapted well to urbanisation and if necessary
will shelter in roofs, sheds or between floors. A single pouch
young is weaned at about six to seven months and is independent
at about nine months. There is a high mortality rate in young
brushtails, especially males, as they disperse and seek to establish
their own territory. They can live up to eleven years.
Natural
Diet:
Leaves,
buds, fruits, flowers, seeds and bark of many native species of
trees, shrubs and creepers. Insects and grass.
Predators:
Dingo,
carpet python, lace monitor, fox. Owls and cats will take the
young.
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