Overview
Distribution
Geographic Range
Trichosurus arnhemensis is closely related to Trichosurus vulpecula, with its most distinguishing feature being its geographic range. It is found in the Northern Territory of Australia, as well as in the extreme northern part of Western Australia. It is also found on Barrow Island (Nowak, 1999).
Biogeographic Regions: australian (Native )
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Physical Description
Morphology
Physical Description
The body length is between 35 cm and 55 cm. The tail adds an additional 25 cm to 40 cm. Females weigh between 1500 g to 3500 g and males weigh between 2000 g and 4500 g. The coat is typically grey in color; however, it can also be reddish brown, copper, or chocolate brown. The fur is shorter and less dense than that of the closely related T. vulpecula (Kerle, 1991). The tail is prehensile and covered with fur. The underside is hairless. The tail of the T. arnhemensis is less hairy and thinner than the tail of T. vulpecula (Kerle, 1991). The ears are long and oval.
Range mass: 1500 to 4500 g.
Range length: 35 to 55 cm.
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Ecology
Habitat
Habitat
The Northern Brushtail Possum is able to live in a variety of habitats, including residential areas, forests, and areas without trees that offer caves and burrows for shelter. The most common of these is wooded areas.
Habitat Regions: tropical
Terrestrial Biomes: forest ; scrub forest
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Trophic Strategy
Food Habits
T. arnhemensis eats a variety of foods. The most common are leaves, buds, flowers, and fruits. It has been documented that, occasionally, birds are eaten (Nowak, 1999).
Animal Foods: birds
Plant Foods: leaves; fruit; flowers
Primary Diet: herbivore (Folivore , Frugivore )
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Associations
Predation
Known Predators:
- dingos (Canis lupus dingo)
- carpet pythons (Morelia spilota)
- monitor lizards (Varanus)
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Known prey organisms
Aves
This list may not be complete but is based on published studies.
- Myers, P., R. Espinosa, C. S. Parr, T. Jones, G. S. Hammond, and T. A. Dewey. 2006. The Animal Diversity Web (online). Accessed February 16, 2011 at http://animaldiversity.org. http://www.animaldiversity.org
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Life History and Behavior
Life Expectancy
Lifespan/Longevity
The expected lifespan is 11 to 13 years.
Range lifespan
Status: wild: 11 to 13 years.
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Lifespan, longevity, and ageing
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Reproduction
Reproduction
Gestation lasts between 17 and 18 days. The pouch period lasts 4 to 5 months. There is generally one offspring per birth. Weaning takes between 6 and 7 months. Individuals reach sexual maturity around age 1 and breed continuously throughout the year. Conception takes place before fully weaning the pouch young. If the pouch young is lost, the female returns to estrus in about 10 days (Nowak, 1999).
Average number of offspring: 1.
Range gestation period: 17 to 18 days.
Range weaning age: 6 to 7 months.
Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 1 years.
Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 1 years.
Key Reproductive Features: year-round breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization (Internal )
Average number of offspring: 1.
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Conservation
Conservation Status
Conservation Status
Trichosurus arnhemensis is considered a lower risk, near threatened species by the IUCN.
US Federal List: no special status
CITES: no special status
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Relevance to Humans and Ecosystems
Benefits
Economic Importance for Humans: Negative
The Northern Brushtail Possums negatively affect the human populations that they live around in a number of different ways. They often damage flowers, fruit trees, and buildings. They also adversely affect regenerating forests. These animals are also known to carry diseases that are harmful to humans and livestock (Nowak, 1999).
Negative Impacts: crop pest; causes or carries domestic animal disease
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Wikipedia
Northern Brushtail Possum
The Northern Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus arnhemensis) is a nocturnal marsupial inhabiting northern Australia. It is closely related to the Short-eared Possum, Mountain Brushtail Possum, Coppery Brushtail Possum, and the Common Brushtail Possum, the other four species of its genus.[1]
Contents |
Appearance
Its fur is a grey in colour, with a white underbelly and pink skin. The Northern Brushtail Possum can grow up to 55cm in length, not including its tail, and are around the size of a small cat. Unlike its relatives and despite what its name suggests, the Northern Brushtail Possum does not have a bushy tail.[2][3]
Lifespan and reproduction
The Northern Brushtail Possum breeds year round, with a gestation period of around 17-18 days and pouch period of 4-5 months. It can live for up to 15 years.
Relationship with humans
The Northern Brushtail Possum is well adapted to rural and urban areas and is sometimes considered a pest in high numbers.[3] Like other possums, the Northern Brushtail Possum is rather tolerant of humans and can sometimes be hand fed, although it is not encouraged as their claws are quite sharp and can cause infection or disease to humans if scratched. The Northern Brushtail Possum is a traditional food source for some indigenous Australians.[4]
Diet
The Northern Brushtail Possum eats a variety of plant matter, including fruit, leaves, flowers and seeds.[2]
References
 | Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Trichosurus arnhemensis |
- ^ a b Groves, C. (2005). Wilson, D. E., & Reeder, D. M, eds. ed. Mammal Species of the World (3rd ed.). Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. OCLC 62265494. ISBN 0-801-88221-4. http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3/browse.asp?id=11000085.
- ^ a b Milich, K. (2002). "Trichosurus arnhemensis". Animal Diversity Web. http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Trichosurus_arnhemensis.html. Retrieved 2008-04-18.
- ^ a b Cleaver, B.. "The Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)". The Marsupial Society of Australia. http://www.marsupialsociety.org/04wi03.html. Retrieved 2008-04-18.
- ^ "Food database". NineMSN. http://ninemsn.mynewbody.com.au/nutrition/foods/item/Northern-Brushtail-Possum-Trichosurus-Arnhemensis--Flesh-Cooked-7787. Retrieved 2008-04-18.
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