Ringtail possum

Description:

Pseudocheirus – ‘false hand’ referring to the supposed hand-like appearance of the animals forefoot. peregrinus – ‘from foreign parts, strange’ may refer to the origin of the species (Australia). The more familiar Opposum is known only from America. Also known as Rufous Ringtail, Banga. Head & Body 29 - 35 cm Tail 29 - 36 cm Weight: Males 990g; Females 880g The Common Ringtail is a medium sized agile possum varying in colour from grey with a rufous tinge to a rich red. It has white patches behind the eyes and under the ears, which are short and rounded. The tip of its prehensile tail is white. A nocturnal animal, the Ringtail moves through foliage using its tail as a ‘fifth limb’. It feeds mainly on the young leaves of eucalyptus trees, but also eats flowers, fruits and buds. Often found living in small family groups, the Common Ringtail spends its day sleeping in one of several well-constructed spherical nests (dreys) often built in a tree fork - made of grasses, ferns, leaves and shredded bark and lined with moss. Females become sexually mature at 12 months of age, Males between 12-15 months. Breeding occurs April-November with most young appearing May-August. The female has four teats in a forward opening pouch. She will normally suckle two young, although litter sizes can vary. The young live within the pouch for up to 4 months. They are then left in the nest and suckled for another two weeks, after which time they will ride on their mother’s back while she forages. They are weaned at 5-8 months of age.

Habitat:

The common ringtail lives in a variety of habitats including rainforest, eucalypt forest and heathland over most of the well-watered areas of eastern Australia.

Notes:

Although they are known to live for up to 6 years in the wild, most do not survive for more than three years – with at least one half of those born not surviving beyond their first year. Their status is viewed as common.