Animal Species:Common Brushtail Possum
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.
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.
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
Last Updated:
Tags possums, marsupials, mammals, vertebrates, identification, wildlife of sydney,
6 comments
Thanks Maryanne, yes please do keep us posted with developments. It is highly likely that coat colour has a strong genetic basis. Female brush-tailed possums usually begin to breed when about 12 months old, and they can live for up to 10-12 years.
Hi Maryanne, white brush-tail possums are quite uncommon so you are very fortunate to have some living nearby. Although most brush-tail possiums are silvery grey they can be quite variable in coat colour, from black through reddish or coppery brown to yellow or even white. In south-west WA many have distinct white tail tips.