In General

The Brushtail possum grows to about 4kgs, with a body length of about 500mm and tail length of about 380mm. It is about the size of a domestic cat. It is distinguished from other possums by its brush like tail.

This is the most common marsupial found in the Redlands area and co-habit with humans quite well. While they may look cute and cuddly they can inflict nasty bites and scratches when threatened.

They can live for up to 14 years.

Did you know that the Brushtail Possum helps control the spread of the parasitic native mistletoe plant, which can kill eucalypt trees!

Diet

Mainly flowers, leaves and fruit, although they will consume small invertebrates and meat at times as well as eggs and chicks of native birds.

Habitat

Open forest and woodland, particularly near a water course. Can often be found in backyards and inside ceilings seeking shelter.

Breeding

Females can be sexually mature at 1 year of age, with males about 1 to 2 years of age. A female usually gives birth to a single youngster around autumn after a gestation period of only 18 days. The young possum will makes its way to its mother's pouch where it attaches to a teat permanently for about 70 days. Young leave their mother about 6 months of age and are completely independent from this time.

Conservation status

Least Concern