possums

Possums are marsupials. This means the young are born after a short time and are very tiny and undeveloped. They crawl up their mother's belly and into a pouch where they stay and finish their development. Possums are nocturnal, which means they are active at night. In the day, they sleep in tree hollows.

There are many different species (kinds) of possums in Australia. Here are some notes about a few of them:

Species & Description	Habitat	Notes
Mountain Pygmy-possum The largest of 5 different pygmy-possums, but is just 45g and tiny. Thick greyish fur, long tail, agile front feet to help food gathering. Strong back feet for grip. Large front teeth for cracking nuts. More information: http://www.abc.net.au/science/scribblygum/May2000/ http://www.australianfauna.com/mountainpygmypossum.php http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/wildfacts/factfiles/656.shtml	Found only in Victoria and New South Wales alpine area. Small area, about 10sq km, which is also ski resort area.	The only marsupial that hibernates in winter. Nocturnal in spring and summer, feeding to build fat reserves for winter. Feeds mainly on Bogong moths, but also seeds and fruit of native trees. Hides seeds and nuts for winter feeding during snow season. It was thought to be extinct but was rediscovered in 1966 in a ski chalet. Endangered.
Striped possum Black and white striped, about 26 cm long with bushy tail 35cm long. More information: http://wildlife-australia.com/spossum.htm	Highland rainforests northeastern Queensland & New Guinea	Eat beetles and grubs: tap tree with their claws, then gnaw and claw wood to expose them. They have an extra-long finger on each hand to pick out the grubs from the wood. Shy, usually alone. May shriek and growl loudly. No other Australian mammal has markings like this.
Leadbeater's possum Approx 16 cm long, tail 15-18 cm. Tail wider at the tip. Grey or brown fur, dark stripe from face down back. More information : http://australian-animals.net/lead.htm http://museumvictoria.com.au/forest/animals/leadbeater.html http://www.australianfauna.com/leadbeaterspossum.php	Mountain ash forests of Victorian central highlands, about 1000 sq km. Timber production area. Suitable nesting hollows only found in old growth trees.	Live in small family groups of about 8, all sharing nest. Nests in tree hollows about 10 metres above ground, filled width shredded bark. Agile - leaps through the trees. Feeds on insects, spiders, nectar and sap. Female carries 1-2 young in her pouch for 3 months. It was thought to be extinct in 1901 but found again in 1961. Endangered.
Green ringtail possum Thick tail grips branches rather like an extra hand (prehensile). Thick brown fur has a greenish tinge. Small white patch under each eye. More information : http://rainforest-australia.com/green_ringtail_possum.htm	Northern Queensland, in highland rainforest	Unlike other possums, they do not nest in daytime, but sleep sitting curled up on a branch. Also is active sometimes in day. They are active high up in the treetops. Eat only leaves. Breeds in June/July, usually gives birth to just one young. After it leaves the pouch, the young is carried on mother's back for some time. Vulnerable.
Common brushtail possum Pointed faces, thick furry tails which are not prehensile. More information here: http://www.hotkey.net.au/~perrelink/Possum.htm	Southeastern Australia, wooded areas, including suburban parks and gardens	Males are territorial and fight other males entering their territory. Breed in autumn and spring, baby born 18 days after mating. Female has two nipples in pouch but gives birth to single young. Young stays 4-5 months in pouch, then another 1-2 months riding on mother's back.
Sugar Glider Measures 30 cm, nose to tip of tail. Weighs less than 150 grams. Membrane for gliding stretches between front and back legs, on both sides. Membrane called patagium. More information here: http://www.australianfauna.com/sugarglider.php	Along eastern and northern parts of Australia. Eucalypt woodlands.	Feed on gum and sap of eucalypt trees. They chisel grooves in the bark of the trees with their sharp teeth, then lap the liquid. Also eat fruit, nectar, pollen, insects and spiders. Live in pairs or small groups. Animal stretches its patagium, and glides abokut 50 metres. It controls flight by varying the curve of the membrane on one side or the other. About 3 metres from its target, it brings back legs to the body, swoops upward, and lands on 4 feet. Female carries 2 young in her pouch for 2-3 months. They leave the nest at 4-5 months. Not endangered, but its relative the Mahogany Glider is very rare, believed to be extinct for 100 years until rediscovered.

If you use any part of this in your own work, acknowledge this source in your bibliography like this:
Sydenham, S. & Thomas, R. Possums [Online] www.kidcyber.com.au(2007)