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ANIMAL SPECIES:Common Brushtail Possum

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The Common Brushtail Possum is probably the best known of the possums in Sydney because it has adapted to urban living and often comes into contact with people.

Size range

55 cm

Distribution

Common Brushtail Possums are found in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia and Northern Territory. Also found in New Zealand.

Habitat

Common Brushtail Possums live in urban areas, forests and woodlands and heath.

Behaviour and adaptations

Feeding and Diet

In the wild, the Common Brushtail Possum's diet consists of leaves, blossoms and fruits, but in suburbia it will eat almost anything.

Other behaviours and adaptations

The Common Brushtail Possum is nocturnal and, during the day, retreats to a hollow log, branch, tree trunk or any dark area, even inside house roofs.

Communication

The Common Brushtail Possum is a social animal and remains in contact with its group through sounds and scents. At times, particularly during the breeding season, it makes piercing screeches in the middle of the night to establish territories and warn of danger.

Predators, Parasites and Diseases

The Common Brushtail Possum's main predators include Dingoes, pythons, foxes and cats.

Living with us

Economic/social impacts

The Common Brushtail Possum was introduced to New Zealand in the 1830s where it has now become a pest species.In Australia, it is a protected species.

Classification

Species:
vulpecula
Genus:
Trichosurus
Family:
Phalangeridae
Order:
Diprotodontia
Subclass:
Marsupialia
Class:
Mammalia
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Mammalia
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?


Last Updated: 13 May 2009

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Common Brushtail Possum

Common Brushtail Possum View full size
Pavel German © Pavel German

Common Brushtail Possum in tree

Common Brushtail Possum in tree View full size
Pavel German © Pavel German

White Common Brushtail Possum

White Common Brushtail Possum View full size
Pavel German © Pavel German

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