Common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)
The common brushtail possum is prevalent throughout Canberra and Queanbeyan. It’s the 2nd largest possum species in Australia – growing up to 58 centimetres in length and weighing up to 4.5 kilograms. The male brushtail, which is distinguished by reddish fur on the shoulders, is generally larger than the female brushtail. Common brushtail possums have a life expectancy of 6-7 years.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics
The common brushtail possum has a long, bushy tail that’s prehensile – providing it with an “additional” limb. It also has a scent gland on its chest, which secretes a reddish, oily liquid (used to mark out its territory). Common brushtail possums have large eyes and ears, and come in four colours: silver-grey, gold, brown and black.
Diet
The common brushtail possum is generally classified as a herbivore, but growing evidence suggests that it might in fact be an omnivore. Like most possums, brushtails love to eat eucalyptus leaves, flowers, fruits and vegetables. However, many common brushtail possums have been observed eating pet food, mice, rats, eggs, insects and small birds.
Breeding Habits
The common brushtail possum breeds twice a year, with most births occurring in autumn. The gestation period for an unborn common brushtail possum is around 18 days. Following birth, the newborn stays in its mother’s pouch for a period of 4 months. Weaning is usually completed at 6 months of age. Most young brushtail possums strike out on their own from 8 months of age.
Common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)
The common brushtail possum is prevalent throughout Canberra and Queanbeyan. It’s the 2nd largest possum species in Australia – growing up to 58 centimetres in length and weighing up to 4.5 kilograms. The male brushtail, which is distinguished by reddish fur on the shoulders, is generally larger than the female brushtail. Common brushtail possums have a life expectancy of 6-7 years.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics
The common ringtail possum has a long, relatively hairless prehensile tail that tapers to a white tip. A quirk of the tail is that it curls up when not in use. Common ringtail possums are grey in colour, with tinges of red or orange on the legs and belly. They have large eyes and small, rounded ears (adorned with patches of white fur).
Diet
Like the brushtail possum, the common ringtail possum enjoys eucalyptus leaves, flowers, fruits and vegetables. However, it has a slow metabolism and isn’t a big eater (compared to the brushtail). Common ringtail possums are known to eat their own faecal pellets (to gain additional nutrition), and to prioritise younger leaves over older leaves.
Breeding Habits
The common ringtail possum breeds once or twice a year (usually between April and November). The gestation period for an unborn ringtail possum is around 4 months. Following birth, the newborn stays in its mother’s pouch for a period of up to 6 months. Like the brushtail, weaning is usually completed at the 6-month stage. The litter size for most common ringtail possums is two babies.
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