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The common brushtail possum can breed at any time of the year, but breeding tends to peak in spring, from September to November, and in autumn, from March to May, in some areas. Mating is promiscuous and random; some males can sire several young in a season, while over half sire none. [ 16 ]
In general, they are more terrestrially oriented than other possums, and in some ways might parallel primates. The genus contains these species: Northern brushtail possum, T. arnhemensis; Short-eared possum, T. caninus; Mountain brushtail possum, T. cunninghami; Coppery brushtail possum, T. johnstonii; Common brushtail possum, T. vulpecula
The Phalangeridae are a family of mostly nocturnal marsupials native to Australia, New Guinea, and Eastern Indonesia, including the cuscuses, brushtail possums, and their close relatives. Considered a type of possum, most species are arboreal, and they inhabit a wide range of forest habitats from alpine woodland to eucalypt forest and tropical ...
The species are commonly known as possums, opossums, [3] gliders, and cuscus. The common name "(o)possum" for various Phalangeriformes species derives from the creatures' resemblance to the opossums of the Americas (the term comes from Powhatan language aposoum "white animal", from Proto-Algonquian * wa·p-aʔɬemwa "white dog"). [ 4 ]
Quit playing possum—there's no need to hide from these absolutely adorable possum pics! The post 25 Possum Pictures That Will Convince You They’re Actually Cute appeared first on Reader's Digest.
The northern brushtail possum eats a variety of plant matter, including fruit, leaves, flowers, and seeds. [5] Brushtail possums are known to be tolerant of many plant toxins and can eat tree leaves that other animals find poisonous. Possums also eat insects, moths, grubs, snails, birds’ eggs, and chicks.
Opossum oil (possum grease) is high in essential fatty acids and has been used as a chest rub and a carrier for arthritis remedies given as salves. [73] [74] [75] Opossum pelts have long been part of the fur trade.
The Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) is the largest possum species and is perhaps the most widespread mammal in Australia. It grows to about 32–58 cm (13–23 in) in length, with an additional 24–40 cm (9–16 in) for its prehensile tail (seen here hanging below the branch).