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Trichosurus vulpecula
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 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 thrive 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.
Brushtail Possums have proven highly adaptable to urban environments using trees, wildlife corridors, natural gullies, roofs and wall cavities, often moving via telegraph poles, cabling and fences for travelling and foraging. Cities and towns provide abundant warm, dry shelters, lots of available food plants from manufactured gardens and opportunity to scavenge from litter and rubbish bins. Hand feeding by residents and leaving domestic pet-food outside can also assist possums. Densities are much higher now due to high availability of food and suitable refugia.
Mother and joey came for a visit last night. My cats were interested but have learned not to tangle with the brushtails.
12 Comments
It was a low act and one of many. They poisoned or shot a lot of things and the rangers were everybody's mate. Ah well. Glad your ended up alright
Thanks, folks. Stephen, I hope your neighbour was prosecuted. Possums can always be relocated if a big problem, but to poison them? A very low act.
So cute!
So so hard not to feed them. We do in extreme droughts.
Great family portrait.
Used to have a family group of five living among the collection of art supplies in my garage until a neighbour with a fruit tree poisoned them all. The only bad thing was when the males used to pee on their tiny hands and pat the outside of the garage with urine to show they owned it, Smelly!
Thanks, Marta and Luis. I usually don't feed them. Creates a bit of a problem, and the larger brushtails can be quite aggressive, and they're strong.
Really nice spotting!
Great series Neil!
I couldn't decide. I rarely feed them (creates a problem), but apples are their favourite.
wow!!!! so lovely i like the second pic more....
Thanks, Leanne. Way too many brushies here, and fewer ringtails. All the babies are cute though.
Lovely spotting Neil. I really love the second shot :)