RINGTAIL POSSUM

The Ringtail possum is a skilled climber, using its tail as a hand to navigate slender branches. Its tail is curled when not in use and serves as a tool for carrying nesting material.

With a head and body length of 30-35cm, a tail length of 30-35cm, and weighing 700-1100 grams, the Ringtail possum thrives in various habitats such as rainforests, eucalypt forests, and suburban gardens.

Feeding primarily on eucalypt leaves, fresh buds, flowers, and fruit, the Ringtail possum is commonly spotted in backyards, climbing trees at night in search of food.

Nests are typically hollow logs lined with leaves, although the declining availability of old trees has led Ringtail possums to build spherical nests called dreys using leaves and shredded bark.

These possums are not overly aggressive, and territorial boundaries can overlap. However males may defend their territory, especially when food is scarce.

As strictly nocturnal creatures, Ringtail possums are active only at night. They reach sexual maturity at 12 months and breed from March to November.

The female possum has four teats but usually gives birth to 2-3 young. The young stay in the pouch for about four months, after which the mother carries them on her back or leaves them in the drey while foraging.

Weaning occurs at six months, and independence is achieved between 8-12 months. However, once they leave the pouch, their survival rate decreases due to numerous predators such as dogs, cats, snakes, foxes, powerful owls, and the risks posed by road traffic accidents.