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Western Ringtail Possum Pseudocheirus occidentalis (Thomas, 1888) Habitat Size The western ringtail possum was once located in a variety of habitats including, coastal peppermint, coastal peppermint/tuart, jarrah/marri associations, sheoak woodland, eucalypt woodland and mallee. Head and body length: 300-400mm Current populations inhabit coastal peppermint/tuart associations from Bunbury to Albany, and in eucalypt forest near Manjimup. The highest density of western ringtail possums is found on the southern Swan Coastal Plain near Busselton, in habitats with dense, relatively lush vegetation. The Upper Warren area east of Manjimup is the only place the western ringtail possum currently survives in the absence of peppermint trees. Tail length: 300-410mm Weight 700-1300g for males Western ringtail possums build nests or dreys in low shrub thickets, sedges, rushes, grass trees, and within various tree canopies. They have also been recorded nesting in tree hollows, when they are available. 750-1200g for females Subspecies None recognised. Photo © Adrian Wayne Behaviour The western ringtail possum is a highly arboreal nocturnal species that feeds; rests and socialises in tree canopies and is rarely seen on the ground. Dreys are the usual daytime rest site, but they have also been recorded resting in eucalypt and peppermint hollows. Adults will usually rest alone and will occupy three to eight different nest sites (dreys or hollow trees) in the course of a year. Social activities occur at night, primarily by the investigation of scent trails on tree limbs (marked with urine) and from males visiting adjacent female home ranges. Description Western ringtail possums are usually very dark brown above, however are occasionally dark grey, with cream or grey fur below. Their ears are short and rounded. Their tail is long, slender, creamy white-tipped and strongly prehensile. Distribution The western ringtail possum has a relatively small and stable home range (area of occupancy). In dense, coastal peppermint forest, home ranges are about 0.5-1.5 ha and in eucalypt forests about 2.5 ha. In contrast, in the northern jarrah forests, home ranges are larger and have been recorded to be at least 5.6 ha. Adjacent home ranges overlap as much as 70%. Historically western ringtail possum were widely distributed throughout the south-western forests of Western Australia, extending to south-east of Geraldton and the southern edge of the Nullarbor Plain. Their current distribution is patchy and largely restricted to near coastal areas of peppermint woodland and peppermint/tuart associations from the Australind/Eaton area to the Waychinicup National Park, east of Albany, and in the southern forest near Manjimup. An important population of western ringtail possums occur in and around the Busselton town site. Diet The diet of western ringtail possums is variable. Peppermint (Agonis flexuosa) leaves form the basis of their diet in coastal areas, but when unavailable jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) and marri (Corymbia calophylla) are the main food source. In urban areas such as Bunbury and Busselton, western ringtail possums will often feed on a variety of garden species including rose flowers and leaves and a variety of cultivated fruits. The western ringtail possum has been re-established in the Leschenault Conservation Park, Yalgorup National Park, Lane-Poole Reserve, Karakamia Sanctuary and Perup Sanctuary. For further information regarding the distribution of this species please refer to http://naturemap.dpaw.wa.gov.au/ page 1 Fauna profiles Western Ringtail Possum Breeding Most western ringtail possums will give birth in winter, but some populations are capably of breeding throughout the year. Young emerge from the pouch at approximately three months when they weigh roughly 125g and will suckle until they are 6-7 months old and weighing roughly 550g. Litter sizes are usually only one, however litters of two or three young are not uncommon. Additional reading Department of Parks and Wildlife (2014). Western Ringtail Possum (Pseudocheirus occidentalis) Recovery Plan. Wildlife Management Program No. 58. Department of Parks and Wildlife, Perth, WA. de Tores, P.J. (2008). Western Ringtail Possum. In Van Dyck, S. and R. Strahan (Eds.) The Mammals of Australia. Reed New Holland. Sydney. Threatening processes The major factors thought to be contributing to the decline of the western ringtail possums include habitat fragmentation, predation by introduced predators, and changing fire regimes. The main predators of the western ringtail possums are introduced foxes, feral cats and carpet pythons. Clearing of coastal peppermint vegetation throughout their range is contributing to fragmentation of areas of suitable habitat, with the reduction in continuous tree canopy cover forcing the possums to the ground when moving between trees, which increases their exposure to predators. Prescribed burning of suitable habitat needs to be managed to maximize population survival and enhancement. Department of the Environment (2015). Pseudocheirus occidentalis in Species Profile and Threats Database, Department of the Environment, Canberra. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat Morris, K., Burbidge, A. & Friend, T. 2008. Pseudocheirus occidentalis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.3. Available from: www.iucnredlist.org Conservation status Western Australian Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 Specially Protected - Threatened Schedule 1 – Fauna that is rare or is likely to become extinct (Ranked as Endangered) Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Vulnerable IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Vulnerable (Version 3.1) Management in Western Australia A recovery plan has been prepared for this species. The main objectives for the recovery of the western ringtail possum include: to retain and effectively manage habitat critical for the survival of western ringtail possums, to limit the impact of threatening processes that impact the ongoing viability of western ringtail possums, and to increase the recognition of the status of the western ringtail possum and support towards its conservation. Photo © Adrian Wayne Further information Contact your local office of the Department of Parks and Wildlife See the department’s website for the latest information: www.dpaw.wa.gov.au Disclaimer: This publication may be of assistance to you but the Government of Western Australia and its officers do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication Last updated 11/03/2015 page 2