The common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula, from the Greek for "furry tailed" and the Latin for "little fox", previously in the genus Phalangista) is a nocturnal, semi-arboreal marsupial of the family Phalangeridae, it is native to Australia, and the second largest of the possums. Like most possums, the common brushtail possum is nocturnal. It is mainly a folivore, but has been known to eat small mammals such as rats.
In most Australian habitats, leaves of eucalyptus are a significant part of the diet but rarely the sole item eaten. The tail is prehensile and naked on its lower underside. There are four colour variations: silver-grey, brown, black, and gold. It is the Australian marsupial most often seen by city-dwellers, as it is one of few that thrives in cities, as well as a wide range of natural and human-modified environments. Around human habitations, common brushtails are inventive and determined foragers with a liking for fruit trees, vegetable gardens, and kitchen raids.
This post is part of the Saturday Critters meme
Your Possums are cute critters. Great photo!
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
Interesting post! In Australia, this possum has its place, but it was introduced to New Zealand where it's been terribly destructive.
ReplyDeletebest... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Hello, :=) This is the first time I have ever seen a possum, although I have heard of them,...mostly by an Australian comedian called Dame Edna Emerage. I think she calls her audience possums. You must know about him. He dresses as a woman, and is very funny.:=)
ReplyDeleteFirst time seeing this critter. Looks cute!
ReplyDeleteA little different from our possums. Some people say opossums.
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