Brush-Tailed Possum

A common Australian marsupial

The brush-tailed possum is a nocturnal marsupial native to Australia, with soft grey fur, a bushy tail, and large eyes adapted for night vision. They feeds on leaves, flowers, fruits, and occasionally insects. Brush-tailed possums are adaptable and often live near urban areas, taking shelter in tree hollows or roofs.

Brush-Tailed Possum
Brush-Tailed Possum
Species Name

Brush-Tailed Possum

Species Scientific Name

Trichosurus vulpecula

Species Family

Phalangeridae

Species Description

They have light brown fur, a pink nose, dark eyes and a long and pointy tail. 

Species Size

32-58 cm

Species Identifying Characteristics

Their pink nose and nicely pointed ears. 

Species Interesting information

They are nocturnal and usually come out at dusk. 

Species Habitat

Brush-tailed possums like forest and woodlands across Australia.

Species Food

They like flowers, fruit, fungi, leaves, sometimes small lizards, birds or eggs and bark.

Species Breeding/Reproduction

They breed more in Spring but sometimes in Autumn as well. After a gestation period of 17 days, the newborn possum finds its way to its mother's pouch, where it stays feeding and growing for about 5 months. After leaving the pouch they'll stay with their mother for another 2 months, clinging to the mother's back. By about 10 months old they are fully grown.

Species Distribution

Brush-tailed possums can be found in forests along the eastern coast in Australia, and they are also commonly spotted in more urban areas.

Species Status
Protected
Species Threats

The loss of tree hollows and introduced species like foxes and cats.

Species Voice Sound

They do grunts and growls.

Species Where to See

Brush-tailed possums are the most abundant, widely distributed and frequently encountered of all Australian marsupials. They are most commonly found along the east coast, including Tasmania. 


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