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Last update 2nd December 2007
(Trichosurus
vulpecula)
One
of Australia's most common mammals, the Brushtail possum can be found in
forests as well as in rural and suburban areas. It usually shelters in
tree hollows but will also use rabbit burrows, hollow logs and the roofs
of houses. About
the size of a domestic cat, this possum's colour varies from black to
grey with a black bushy tail. It feeds mainly on eucalypt leaves in the
forest, but may also eat grasses, insects and cultivated plants, meat
may be eaten if found. Distinguishing features: bushy tail, large pointed ears. Size Head and body length 350-550mm Tail Length 250-400mm
BOBUCK (MOUNTAIN BRUSHTAIL
POSSUM)
(Trichosurus
caninus A
close relative of the Brushtail possum, this species inhabits higher
elevation wet forests and gullies in closed foothill forests. It
shelters in tree hollows and logs on the forest floor. It varies from grey to reddish brown with pale flanks and belly. Its feet and bushy tail are black. The bobuck forages in trees and on the ground for young leaves, fern fronds, flowers and fruits. Distinguishing features: short rounded ears, bushy tail. Size
Head and Body Length 400-500mm Tail Length 340-420mm (Pseudocheirus
peregrinus) The
ringtail possum, like the Brushtail occurs throughout Victoria, often in
residential areas. They normally build spherical nest. It
is grey to reddish brown with white undersides and has a white-tipped
tail. It is herbivorous; feeding on leaves, although it will also eat
introduced fruits. Adults measure about 35 cm in body length with a tail
of about the same length again. Distinguishing features: Tapering prehensile tail a white tip. Size
Head and Body 300-350mm Tail Length 300-350mm. (Pefaurus breviceps) The
sugar glider is the most common of the five species of gliders occurring
in Victoria. Like all gliders it has a membrane, which enables the
animal to glide from tree to tree. Sugar gliders live in family groups
and shelter in tree hollows during the day. They have soft grey fur,
lighter underneath, with a dark brown to black dorsal stripe from the
nose to the base of the tail. Their diet consists of insects, nectar and
sap. Distinguishing features: gliding membrane, dorsal stripe, and the yapping sound. Size
Head and Body 160-210mm Tail Length 165-210mm. (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri) The
size, coloring and food preferences of this species are all similar to
the sugar glider. However Leadbeater's possums do not have gliding
membranes, and their tails club-shaped. Once believed to be extinct, Victoria's faunal emblem is now known to be fairly common in some areas of the Central Highlands. The Leadbeater's possum requires a habitat with tree hollows for nesting and younger trees for foraging. Distinguishing features: agility, Grey to greyish-brown above, with a prominent dark-mid dorsal stripe. Size
Head and Body 150-170mm Tail Length 145-180mm.
(Acrobates pygmaeus) This
is the smallest of the gliding species with a body length of about 10cm.
It is widespread in Victorian forests, but rarely seen because of its
small size. The feathertail glider is olive brown with white undersides.
Its tail has a fringe of stiff long hairs on either side, giving it a
feather-like appearance.
This species feeds on insects and nectar. Distinguishing features: feather tall. (Cercartetus nanus) Food preferences of this species are similar to the feathertail glider, although It does not have a gliding membrane. It can be recognised by tail which is often swollen with stored fat from the base to a third of the way down. Pigmy possums are silver grey with white undersides. They shelter in tree hollows, logs and tree stumps. I have found Pigmy's in Flowing trees, Banksia, etc. Size
Head and Body Length 70-110mm Tail Length 75-105mm.
The
yellow-bellied glider found in the eastern states of
Australia is one of the most spectacular of the gliders. Glides of up to
12Dm have been recorded. The animal call most loudly before it glides
and is very vocal even while still in motion. About the size of a small cat it has long fluffy fur which varies from dark brown to grey on the back and creamy white to yellow on the under surface. similar food preferences to the sugar glider. Yellow-bellied gliders chew v-shaped lesions in the bark of selected eucalypts to obtain sap. Distinguishing features: gliding membrane from wrist to ankles, the call, large naked ears, and a tail relatively longer (about one and half times the body length. Size
Head and Body Length 270-300mm Tail Length 420-480mm.
(Pelauroides volans) The
greater glider is about the size of a cat, Sedentary and herbivorous, it
is usually black with white undersides, although some have white patches
on their backs. Occasionally pure white forms occur. Although the
species does not call, it can be found by the bright shine of Its eyes
In a spotlight. Unlike
other gliders, its gliding membrane is reduced on the front limbs and
only reaches the elbow, giving a triangular shape when spread. Distinguishing
features: long black tail, very bright eye shine, gliding membrane, ears
furred externally. Head
and Body length 350-450mm, Tail length 450-600mm.
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