What are golden possums?

What are golden possums?

GOLDEN BRUSHTAIL possums, adorable and rare, are an unusual form of the common brushtail possum that get their fluffy golden coats from a genetic mutation that results in low levels of melanin in their skin and fur; this is the same pigment that gives human skin and hair its colour and makes you look tanned.

What is the scientific name for a brushtail possum?

Trichosurus vulpecula
Common brushtail possum/Scientific names

What does the name Trichosurus mean?

: a genus of marsupials comprising the common Australian opossums from which the opossum fur of commerce is obtained.

What is the rarest possum?

There are four colour variations of the common brushtail possum- silver-grey, brown, black and golden, which is the rarest type. Golden brushtail possums are uncommon in the wild as their appearance makes them easy prey for predators.

Are brushtail possums native to Australia?

The common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula, from the Greek for “furry tailed” and the Latin for “little fox”, previously in the genus Phalangista) is a nocturnal, semi-arboreal marsupial of the family Phalangeridae, native to Australia, naturalised in New Zealand, and the second-largest of the possums.

What do common brush tail possums eat?

leaves
Brushtail Possums eat plant material, supplemented with bird eggs, baby birds and some insects. They mainly eat leaves of eucalypts but also some shrubs (mainly wattles), herbs, flowers and fruit.

Are brushtail possums aggressive?

Brushtail possums are usually not aggressive towards each other and usually just stare with erect ears. They vocalise with clicks, grunts, hisses, alarm chatters, guttural coughs, and screeching.

What class is a brush tailed possum?

Mammal
Common brushtail possum/Class

Do brushtail possums live in groups?

The common brushtail possum is largely arboreal and nocturnal. It has a mostly solitary lifestyle, and individuals keep their distance with scent markings (urinating) and vocalisations. They usually make their dens in natural places such as tree hollows and caves, but also use spaces in the roofs of houses.

Are Golden possums rare?

She’s a rare golden variety of the Common Brushtail Possum. The golden colour occurs due to a mutation which causes a low level of the pigment melanin which gives them their normal colour. They are so rare in the wild as although their bright colour makes them look special to us, they also stand out to predators!

Can you have a golden possum as a pet?

It’s illegal to keep them without a wildlife rehabilitation permit, though, and once they’re old enough to survive on their own, healthy possums can, and should, be released. They’re wild animals who don’t fare well often in captivity.

What is the scientific name for brushtail possum?

Common Name: Brushtail Possum Scientific Name: Trichosurus vulpecula (Family: Mammalia:) Author: Elissa N Smith Date of Preparation: August 2004 Western Sydney Institute of TAFE, Richmond Course Name and Number: Animal Care & Husbandry III 5883 Lecturer: Graeme Phipps

How does a golden brushtail possum get its colour?

GOLDEN BRUSHTAIL possums, adorable and rare, are an unusual form of the common brushtail possum that get their fluffy golden coats from a genetic mutation that results in low levels of melanin in their skin and fur; this is the same pigment that gives human skin and hair its colour and makes you look tanned.

Is the common brushtail possum protected in Australia?

Its fur has been considered valuable and has been harvested. Although once hunted extensively for its fur in Australia, the common brushtail possum is now protected in mainland states, but it has only been partially protected in Tasmania, where an annual hunting season is used.

Who are the main predators of the brushtail possum?

The Common Brushtail Possum was introduced to New Zealand in the 1830s where it has now become a pest species.In Australia, it is a protected species. The Common Brushtail Possum’s main predators include Dingoes, pythons, foxes and cats. You have reached the end of the main content.