The northern brushtail possum (Trichosurus arnhemensis) is a nocturnal marsupial inhabiting northern Australia. The northern brushtail possum is sometimes considered a species;[1] however, more often than not is considered a subspecies of the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula arnhemensis).[2][3]
| Northern brushtail possum[1] | |
|---|---|
| |
| Trichosurus arnhemensis | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Infraclass: | Marsupialia |
| Order: | Diprotodontia |
| Family: | Phalangeridae |
| Genus: | Trichosurus |
| Species: | T. arnhemensis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Trichosurus arnhemensis Collett, 1897
| |
Lifestyle
editPossums are nocturnal in nature, so feed between dawn and dusk. They are territorial creatures and can be found alone or in family groups.[4]
Appearance
editIts fur is a grey in colour, with a white underbelly and pink skin. The northern brushtail possum can grow up to 55 cm (22 in) in length, not including its tail, and is 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.[5][6]
Lifespan and reproduction
editThe northern brushtail possum breeds year-round, with a gestation period around 17–18 days and pouch period of 4–5 months. It can live up to 15 years.
Diseases
editMany of the NT possums are found to have contracted a flesh eating bacteria. This causes their faces to be eaten away and often results in blindness. The disease has been widely spread within the possum community, also affecting Ringtail possums. Possums brought into the local RSPCA after contracting the disease are commonly put down. Once the possums contract the sickness they are often found to be more welcoming to humans, and will approach when practical.[7]
Relationship with humans
editThe northern brushtail possum is well adapted to rural and urban areas and is sometimes considered a pest when found in high numbers.[6] Like other possums, it is rather tolerant of humans and can sometimes be hand fed, although it is not encouraged, as its claws are quite sharp and can cause infection or disease to humans if scratched.
It is a traditional food source for some Indigenous Australians.[8] In the Kunwinjku language it is known as djebuyh.[9][10] According to Reverend P. Nganjmirra, Kunwinjku elder, it tastes "good".[11] It is cooked in a hole like bandicoot.
Diet
edit
The northern brushtail possum eats a variety of plant matter, including fruit, leaves, flowers, and seeds.[5] Brushtail possums are known to be tolerant of many plant toxins and can eat tree leaves that other animals find poisonous. Possums also eat insects, moths, grubs, snails, birds’ eggs, and chicks. Many of the possums' favourite foods are unfortunately found in domestic gardens, drawing the possums into residential yards.[4]
References
edit- ^ a b Groves, C. P. (2005). Wilson, D. E.; Reeder, D. M. (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. ISBN 0-801-88221-4. OCLC 62265494.
- ^ Morris, K. (15 June 2015). "IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Trichosurus vulpecula". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
- ^ "Species: Trichosurus vulpecula (Common Brushtail Possum)".
- ^ a b "Top 10 Facts About Possums in Australia | Bird Gard Australia". Bird Gard Australia. 12 February 2015.
- ^ a b Milich, K. (2002). "Trichosurus arnhemensis". Animal Diversity Web. Retrieved 2008-04-18.
- ^ a b Cleaver, B. "The Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)". The Marsupial Society of Australia. Archived from the original on 2008-06-11. Retrieved 2008-04-18.
- ^ "Skin disease is killing possums". Courier Mail.
- ^ "Food database". NineMSN. Retrieved 2008-04-18.
- ^ National Environmental Research Program (2019). Bininj Kunwok. Australian Government.
- ^ "djebuyh". Bininj Kunwok Dictionary. Bininj Kunwok Regional Language Centre. Retrieved 12 March 2022.
- ^ Goodfellow, D. (1993). Fauna of Kakadu and the Top End. Wakefield Press. p. 27. ISBN 1862543062.