Northern brushtail possum

Northern brushtail possum[1]
Trichosurus arnhemensis
Conservation status
Not evaluated (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Infraclass:	Marsupialia
Order:	Diprotodontia
Family:	Phalangeridae
Genus:	Trichosurus
Species:	T. arnhemensis
Binomial name
Trichosurus arnhemensis Collett, 1897

A male northern brushtail possum eating an apple

The Northern brushtail possum (Trichosurus arnhemensis) is a nocturnal marsupial inhabiting northern Australia. It is closely related to the Short-eared possum, Mountain brushtail possum, Coppery brushtail possum, and the Common brushtail possum, the other four species of its genus.^[1]

Appearance

Its fur is a grey in colour, with a white underbelly and pink skin. The Northern brushtail possum can grow up to 55 cm in length, not including its tail, and are around the size of a small cat. Unlike its relatives and despite what its name suggests, the Northern brushtail possum does not have a bushy tail.^[2][3]

Male Northern brushtail possum being hand fed a stick of carrot

Lifespan and reproduction

The Northern brushtail possum breeds year-round, with a gestation period of around 17-18 days and pouch period of 4-5 months. It can live for up to 15 years.

Relationship with humans

The Northern brushtail possum is well adapted to rural and urban areas and is sometimes considered a pest in high numbers.^[3] Like other possums, it is rather tolerant of humans and can sometimes be hand-fed, although it is not encouraged as their claws are quite sharp and can cause infection or disease to humans if scratched. It is a traditional food source for some indigenous Australians.^[4]

Diet

The Northern brushtail possum eats a variety of plant matter, including fruit, leaves, flowers and seeds.^[2]

References

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