Brushtail Possum

(Trichosurus vulpecula)

Download Brushtail Possum fact sheet PDF (92 KB)

What is it?
The Brushtail Possum is one of the biggest Australian possums. Its body is covered with grey fur and the tail has thick, black fur.

Where is it found?
They once lived in many different habitats, including the Central Australian deserts, but they are now mostly only found in urban and woodland habitats.

Shelter
In natural habitats they use tree hollows for daytime shelters but in urban areas they often use the ceiling cavities of people’s homes.

Physical requirements
Generally herbivorous—the main part of their diet is leaves, but they also eat fruits and fl owers and sometimes insects and occasionally birds’ eggs or young chicks.

Breeding
Marsupials, tiny possums are born and grow in the pouch for about six months. When first out of the pouch young possums will often ride on mum’s back.

Status
Common in urban areas, declined/extinct in other areas of Australia.

Threats
Loss of habitat (tree hollows and food), and predation by dogs, cats and foxes, and getting run over by cars in urban areas.

Fun facts
Brushtail Possums have adapted well to the urban environment fi nding our roof cavities with their soft insulation the perfect substitute for a tree hollow. This is often to the annoyance of the home owner who does not appreciate them crashing across the roof at night! Urban possums often get sick due to a diet lacking in nutrients, especially when people feed them things like bread.