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Ringtail possum babies

Pseudocheirus peregrinus

Photo by Mark Ridgway
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

The parents have found the perfect place to nest these ringtail possum babies.. at the top of a complicated, delicate creeping vine just underneath the eaves of our bungalow. Right now they are just starting to explore out of their nest at night when the parents go for food. Bodies about 100mm long and maybe 120mm tails. They were getting a lot of experience and exercise working out how to move slowly through this 3D maze. Three days ago we had a very bad storm which left hail piled thick on the ground for 12 hours but they were completely safe.

Habitat:

Suburban back yard 5 metres up under eaves.

Notes:

The only species in the genus Pseudocheirus <br>
family: PSEUDOCHEIRIDAE <br>
genus: Pseudocheirus <br>
species: Pseudocheirus <br>
Possibly four subspecies but all might be part of a species complex. Ringtail babies should not be handled as they can suffer shock and die easily.

Reference Links:

Common ringtail possum, Pseudocheirus peregrinus : Common Ringtail Possum | Atlas of Living Australia

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (6)
Mark Ridgway
They're not having any problems here yet Barbara thank goodness. I've been fascinated lately watching how they fit in with the brush-tail possums - also in good numbers. They share the environment at very close quarters but never seem to fight. Two different niches I guess.
MartinL
Oh, its twins. I'll see you both on saturday
BarbaraSing
Your lucky to have these guys. They're endangered in the south west of WA.
Mark Ridgway
I think my favourite marsupials too Neil. I find them still cute even as adults. I think even cats can't get up through that maze. And I'll be able to add to these pics with luck although I hate even popping a flash on them.
Neil Ross
My favourites!!! Great spotting, Mark. Sounds like they're out of harms way :-)

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Marsupials of the World
Mission
Dandenong Ranges - fauna & flora
Mission
Backyard Habitats of the World
Photographed
PublishedSeptember 13, 2014

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