Download Brush-tailed Possum

N A T I V E
F A U N A
Brush-tailed
Possum
SPECIES NAME:
COMMON NAME:
Trichosurus vulpecula
Brush-tailed Possum
Animal type
Size
Distinctive features
Mammal – Marsupial
60cm to 95cm
Brown to grey coat with dark brown bushy tail. Males can be recognised by a dark stain
on their chest area caused by secretions from their scent gland.
Habitat
Woodland and heath. Common in urban areas.
Feeding
Mostly eats the leaves of eucalypts, however will also eat fruits and buds of other native
trees, shrubs and grasses. This animal is an opportunistic feeder, and will scavenge for any
type of food. It is for this reason that the Brush-tailed Possum survives so well in the
urban environment.
Breeding
Breeding season is from March to May. Immature babies are born after a short pregnancy
of only 17 days, after which they migrate to the pouch. They are fed by their mother for
six to nine months, most of this time is spent in the pouch, except for the last two to three
months when they are carried on their mothers back.
Habit
Nocturnal – active mainly during the night.
Distribution
Generally widespread across Australia excluding arid zones and Tasmania.
Status
Common
Threats to survival
Loss of habitat through land clearing, predation by feral animals, being hit by vehicles.
Illegal relocation of individual possums can result in their death. Possums are very
territorial and if one possum is introduced into anothers territory, fighting and possible
death may occur.
HOW YOU CAN HELP THE BRUSH-TAILED POSSUM
If you have a possum living in your roof, there are appropriate steps you can take to
manage the problem. Contact DEC for more information. If you have a large tree in your
yard, consider installing a habitat box so that your possum has a home. Keep pets locked
up at night and put at least two bells on your cat’s collar.
Arboreal
Mammal
Nocturnal
Photo courtesy of DEC