Trichosurus vulpecular

List of Fact Sheets | Glossary

Search | Back Home

Family

Phalangeridae

Genus

Trichosurus

Species

vulpecular

Common name/s

Brushtail Possum

Distinguishing Features

The Brushtail possum is about the size of a cat (Felis catus ), with large pointy ears, dark silvery grey fur and a yellow underbelly. Particularly notable is its long, black bushy tail (tipped black or white), which it uses to grip on to tree branches and powerlines. They have sharp claws for climbing.

Similar Species

The common Ringtail Possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus ) has similar features, but is significantly smaller in size and has a thin tail with smooth hair and a white tip.

Distribution

This species is found in the east and central regions of mainland Australia including Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. The sub-species Trichosurus vulpecular vulpecular also occurs in the Northern Territory where it is endangered. It was introduced into New Zealand in the 1850s and is now a major pest there, with the government spending about NZ$70 million each year on control and research.

Country of Origin

Australia

Survey Techniques

Easily detected during spotlighting surveys as used in the LSCCES. Other techniques include  scat surveys and call identification.

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National

Secure, not listed under the EPBC Act 1999 . Protected under the Wildlife Regulations, 1971 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1970. The Brushtail Possum is currently facing decline in some areas of central and Western Australia due to habitat clearance and predation.

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional

In eastern Australia and Tasmania, the Brushtail Possum is common, with dense populations occurring in urban areas.

LSCCES Population

This was the most commonly recorded native mammal species in the Lower Sullivans Creek Catchment Ecological Survey. The species was recorded in suburban, urban and woodland sites.

Associated vegetation community

This possum is found in a wide range of native forests and woodlands. It is common in and around human settlements where it uses houses, sheds and other shelter for nesting sites. It has benefited from the increased food resources from plantings of fruit trees, roses and ornamentals in urban gardens.

Limiting Resources

This species needs a dark, sheltered space for daytime sleeping. During the night it needs easily available food and water. Areas free from predation by introduced species are ideal, thought the species can coexist with domestic cats and dogs where they are kept enclosed at night time when the possum is most active.

Breeding

Brushtail Possums breed once a year in either autumn or spring. A single young is born 17-18 days after breeding. Young spend approximately six months in its mother's pouch and one to two months on the mother's back until weaned. Brushtail Possums become independent at 12 months, with females typically breeding in their second year. Brushtails have an average life expectancy of 6-7 years, with females able to produce an average of 6 offspring in their lifetime.

Behaviour

Brushtail Possums are arboreal (tree-dwelling) marsupials. Being nocturnal, they require dark sheltered places to sleep in during the day such as tree hollows and house roofs. They forage and are active throughout the night. They have a home range of between 1 and 15 hectares.

Functional Group

Herbivore

Food Species

In their woodland environments the Brushtail Possums typically eat eucalyptus leaves and shrubs (mainly wattles). In urban areas they expand their diet to include fruit and flowers from suburban gardens as well as bread and other household scrap food. They have a special liking for rosebuds, frustrating many home gardeners.

Predators

European Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes ), Dogs (Canis familiaris), Cats (Felis catus ) and owls.

Interesting Fact

If removed from households, it is recommended that they are released to native bushland within 8km of the capture site.