Identification:

Dark grey above, light under, some are totally black. Bushy, black tail tapering at the tip, with naked area under. Ears smaller and more round than the Common Brushtail. The scent marking glands produce a clear secretion which does not stain the coat. The Mountain Brushtail is a bigger more robust possum than the Common Brushtail.

Habitat:

Tall, open and closed forest

Nest Type:

Tree hollows

Biology:

The Mountain Brushtail is arboreal, but spends considerable time on the ground. It uses hollows in trees and logs for shelter. Breeding occurs later than in the Common Brushtail usually not until two years of age but, according to Strahan, is more successful after three years. One pouch young is born after a gestation period of 15-17 days. Pouch life is about six months, but the young is not weaned for a further three to five months. After weaning the young stay in the area with the mother for up to two years. Females can live up to seventeen years, males up to twelve years.

Natural Diet:

Leaves, flowers, fruits, fungi, bark of many native species of trees, shrubs and creepers, epiphytes, mosses and ferns.

Predators:

Carpet python, dingo, fox, cat, spotted quoll.