Scientific name:
Trichosurus vulpecula
Other names:
Brushtail possum, Brush-tailed possum
Status:
Least concern, although may be decreasing in some areas
It has large pointed ears, sharp claws on its forefeet, and a strong grasp on the hind feet, where the first toe is clawless but opposable. The third and fourth toes are fused, forming a grooming claw. Its long bushy tail is adapted for climbing: prehensile at the tip and hairless on the underside to grip branches.
The coat is thick and woolly, varying in colour from silver-grey to brown, black, or reddish, depending on region and subspecies. The underparts are usually lighter, and the tail is often brown or black. The muzzle often has darker markings. A rare colour variation, the “golden” brushtail possum, has a pale yellowish coat caused by low melanin levels. Because they stand out to predators, this form is uncommon in the wild.
Adults have a head-and-body length of 32–58 cm and a tail length of 24–40 cm, weighing 1.2–4.5 kg. Males are generally larger, often with reddish fur on the shoulders. Both sexes have a chest scent gland that secretes a reddish fluid used in marking territories. Females, like most marsupials, have a well-developed forward-opening pouch.
Omnivores, eating a wide variety of foods in the wild. It prefers Eucalyptus leaves, but the flowers, shoots, fruits and seeds are also consumed. Insects, bird’s eggs and chicks, and even small vertebrates such as mice and rats may be taken as well.
Prefers more forested areas but has been found in relatively treeless environments as well. Semi-arid areas, cultivated or urban areas can also be well-populated with common brushtails, and they are regularly seen in the suburbs, in backyards or even in inner city areas.
Found throughout the eastern and northern parts of Australia, as well as some western and central regions, Tasmania, and some offshore islands such as Kangaroo Island and Barrow Island. The species is also widespread, where it was introduced in 1850 and has become a serious agricultural pest, with a large and stable population despite extensive hunting, poisoning and trapping measures in place for many decades.
Mostly arboreal and nocturnal, common brushtail possums are mostly solitary, with individuals using scent marking and various calls to maintain distance. Will usually make a den in tree hollows but will use spaces in roofs and wall cavities in more built-up areas.
Breeding can occur year-round, but Spring is the most common. Like most marsupials, females have a very short pregnancy; in this case only 16-18 days. They are only 1.5cm at birth, and a bulk of the development occurs in the pouch. Can live up to 13 years in the wild.
Reptile Encounters would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land, the people of the Kulin Nation, who have never ceded sovereignty. This always was and always will be Aboriginal land.