Editing Common brushtail possum

{{Short description|Species of marsupial}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Use Australian English|date=May 2011}}
{{Speciesbox
| name = Common brushtail possum<ref name="msw3" />
| image = Trichosurus vulpecula 1.jpg
| image_caption = At [[Austins Ferry, Tasmania]]
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref = <ref name="iucn">{{cite iucn |author=Morris, K. |author2=Woinarski, J. |author3=Friend, T. |author4=Foulkes, J. |author5=Kerle, A. |author6=Ellis, M. |date=2016 |title=''Trichosurus vulpecula'' |volume=2016 |page=e.T40585A21952080 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T40585A21952080.en |access-date=12 November 2021}}</ref>
| genus = Trichosurus
| species = vulpecula
| authority = ([[Robert Kerr (writer)|Kerr]], 1792)<ref name="Linné1792" />
| range_map = Common Brushtail Possum area.png
| range_map_caption = Common brushtail possum native range
| subdivision_ranks = Subspecies
| subdivision = ''T. v. vulpecula'' (South-eastern common brushtail possum and central brushtail possum)<br/>
''T. v. arnhemensis''  ([[Northern brushtail possum]])<br/>
''T. v. eburacensis '' (Cape York brushtail possum)<br/>
''T. v. johnsoni'' ([[Coppery brushtail possum]])<br/>
''T. v. fuliginosus'' (Tasmanian brushtail possum)<br/>
''T. v. hypoleucus'' (South-western brushtail possum or Koomal)
}}

The '''common brushtail possum''' ('''''Trichosurus vulpecula''''', from the [[Ancient Greek|Greek]] for "furry tailed" and the [[Latin]] for "little fox", previously in the genus ''Phalangista''<ref name="hydroponicsearch" />) is a [[nocturnal]], semi[[arboreal]] [[marsupial]] of the family [[Phalangeridae]], native to [[Australia]] and [[Invasive species|invasive]] in [[New Zealand]], and the second-largest of the [[Phalangeriformes|possums]].

Like most possums, the common brushtail possum is nocturnal. It is mainly a [[folivore]], but has been known to eat small mammals such as rats. In most Australian habitats, [[eucalyptus]] leaves are a significant part of the diet, but rarely the sole item eaten. Its tail is [[Prehensile tail|prehensile]] and naked on its lower underside. The four colour variations are silver-grey, brown, black, and gold.<ref name="dpiw" />

It is the Australian [[marsupial]] most often seen by city dwellers, as it is one of few that thrive in cities and a wide range of natural and human-modified environments. Around human habitations, common brushtails are inventive and determined foragers with a liking for fruit trees, vegetable gardens, and kitchen raids. Its once vast distribution has been greatly affected by drought, [[epizootic disease]] and intrusion of invasive mammals into its habitat.<ref name="Abbott-2012">{{cite journal|title=Original distribution of ''Trichosurus vulpecula'' (Marsupialia: Phalangeridae) in Western Australia, with particular reference to occurrence outside the southwest|journal=Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia|author=I Abbott|date=2012|volume=95|pages=83–93}}</ref>

The common brushtail possum was introduced to New Zealand in the 1850s to establish a fur industry, but in the mild subtropical climate of New Zealand, and with few to no natural predators, it thrived to the extent that it became a [[Common brushtail possum in New Zealand|major agricultural and conservation pest]].

==Description==
[[File:Trichosurus vulpecula skeleton.jpg|thumb|Skeleton]]

The common brushtail possum has large and pointed ears. Its bushy tail (hence its name) is adapted to grasping branches, prehensile at the end with a hairless ventral patch.<ref name="Nowak1991" /><ref name="Cronin2008" /> Its fore feet have sharp claws and the first toe of each hind foot is clawless, but has a strong grasp.<ref name="Cronin2008" /> The possum grooms itself with the third and fourth toes which are fused together.<ref name="Cronin2008" /> It has a thick and woolly pelage that varies in colour depending on the subspecies. Colour patterns tend to be silver-grey, brown, black, red, or cream. The ventral areas are typically lighter and the tail is usually brown or black.<ref name="Nowak1991" /><ref name="Cronin2008" /> The muzzle is marked with dark patches.

The common brushtail possum has a head and body length of {{Convert|32-58|cm|abbr=on}}<ref name="Nowak1991" /> with a tail length of {{Convert|24-40|cm|abbr=on|sigfig=2}}.<ref name="Cronin2008" /> It weighs {{Convert|1.2-4.5|kg|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Cronin2008" /> Males are generally larger than females. In addition, the coat of the male tends to be reddish at the shoulders. As with most marsupials, the female brushtail possum has a forward-opening, well-developed pouch.<ref name="Nowak1991" /> The chest of both sexes has a scent gland that emits a reddish secretion which stains that fur around it. It marks its territory with these secretions.<ref name="Meyer2000" />

<gallery mode = packed heights = 180px>
Common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) Scottsdale 2.jpg|Dark brown
Common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) Scottsdale.jpg|Medium brown
Common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) Scottsdale 4.jpg|Light brown
</gallery>

==Biology and ecology==

===Range and habitat===
{{see also|Common brushtail possum in New Zealand}}

The common brushtail possum is one of the most widespread marsupials of Australia. It is found throughout the eastern and northern parts of the continent, as well as some western regions,<ref name="DPAW2005" /><ref name="Abbott-2012" /> Tasmania<ref name="TasGov" /> and a number of offshore islands, such as [[Kangaroo Island]]<ref name="SAGov" /> and [[Barrow Island (Western Australia)|Barrow Island]].<ref name="Chevron" /><ref name="PerthNow" /> [[Western Australia]] alone has several scattered population groups locally distinguished with given indigenous names: ''nunguin'' in [[Kimberley (Western Australia)|Kimberley]], ''walambari'' in [[Pilbara]], ''wayurta'' in the desert areas, and ''bilda'' in [[Nullarbor Plain]] shared with [[South Australia]] among many others.<ref name="Abbott-2012" />

It is also widespread in New Zealand since its introduction in 1850. The common brushtail possum can be found in a variety of habitats, such as forests, semi-arid areas and even cultivated or urban areas.<ref name="Nowak1991" /><ref name="Cronin2008" /> It is mostly a forest inhabiting species, however it is also found in treeless areas.<ref name="Cronin2008" /> In New Zealand, possums favour broadleaf-podocarp near farmland pastures.<ref name="Efford2000" /> In [[Nothofagus|southern beech]] forests and pine plantations, possums are less common.<ref name="Efford2000" /> Overall, brushtail possums are more densely populated in New Zealand than in their native Australia.<ref name="Tyndale2005" /> This may be because Australia has more fragmented [[eucalypt]] forests and more predators. In Australia, brushtail possums are threatened by humans, [[tiger quoll]]s, [[dog]]s, [[fox]]es,<ref name="Abbott-2012" /> [[cat]]s, [[goanna]]s, [[Morelia spilota|carpet snakes]], and [[powerful owl]]s. In New Zealand, brushtail possums are threatened only by humans and cats.<ref name="Tyndale2005" /> The IUCN highlight the population trend in Australia as decreasing.

The northern subspecies of the common brushtail possum has declined substantially, with one study in Australia's Northern Territory finding a 22% reduction in the extent of occurrence of and a 50% reduction in the breadth of occupied environmental space.<ref name="von Takach-2020">{{Cite journal |last1=von Takach |first1=Brenton |last2=Scheele |first2=Ben C. |last3=Moore |first3=Harry |last4=Murphy |first4=Brett P. |last5=Banks |first5=Sam C. |date=2020 |editor-first= |title=Patterns of niche contraction identify vital refuge areas for declining mammals |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ddi.13145 |journal=Diversity and Distributions |language=en |volume=26 |issue=11 |pages=1467–1482 |doi=10.1111/ddi.13145 |bibcode=2020DivDi..26.1467V |issn=1366-9516|hdl=1885/286535 |s2cid=221758373 |hdl-access=free }}</ref> Analysis of contemporary occurrence points suggested that the species is contracting towards areas of higher rainfall, lower fire frequency, and higher vegetation cover.<ref name="von Takach-2020" /> Little is known about the distribution of the species in the Pilbara.<ref name="abc 2025-05-14">{{cite news |last1=Adams |first1=Mietta |title=Scientists surprised to find possums in WA's Pilbara region |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-14/pilbara-possum-discovery-surprises-scientists/105290378 |access-date=15 May 2025 |work=ABC News |date=14 May 2025 |language=en-AU}}</ref> However, a paper published in the mid-2020s announced a discovery that the populations in the Pilbara, and in the Mid-West of Western Australia where the species is almost extinct, were genetically closer to the subspecies found on the east coast and South Australia, and the now presumed extinct Central Australian subspecies, than those in the South West of Western Australia.<ref name="abc 2025-05-14"/><ref name="abc 2023-06-13">{{cite news |last1=McManus |first1=Sam |title=Study of brushtail possum population differences could help halt species' decline in parts of WA |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-06-13/brushtail-possums-population-decline-extinction-study-wa-museum/102462162 |access-date=15 May 2025 |work=ABC News |date=13 June 2023 |language=en-AU}}</ref>
===Food and foraging===
The common brushtail possum can adapt to numerous kinds of vegetation but it is largely [[omnivorous]].<ref name="Tyndale2005" /> It prefers ''[[Eucalyptus]]'' leaves, but also eats flowers, shoots, fruits, and seeds.<ref name="Tyndale2005" /> It may also consume animal matter such as insects, birds' eggs and chicks, and other small vertebrates.<ref name="EoL" /> Brushtail possums may eat three or four different plant species during a foraging trip, unlike some other arboreal marsupials, such as the [[koala]] and the [[greater glider]], which focus on single species. The brushtail possum's rounded molars cannot cut ''Eucalyptus'' leaves as finely as more specialised feeders. They are more adapted to crushing their food, which enables them to chew fruit or herbs more effectively. The brushtail possums' caecum lacks internal ridges and cannot separate coarse and fine particles as efficiently as some other arboreal marsupials.<ref name="Tyndale2005" /> The brushtail possum cannot rely on ''Eucalyptus'' alone to provide sufficient protein.<ref name="Wellard1981" /> Its more generalised and mixed diet, however, does provide adequate nitrogen.<ref name="Harris1985" />

===Behaviour===
{{Listen|filename=Brushtail Possum.flac|title=Hissing and growling vocalisations}}
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.  While they sometimes share dens, brushtails normally sleep in separate dens. Individuals from New Zealand use many more den sites than those from Australia.<ref name="Green1984" /> Brushtail possums compete with each other and other animals for den spaces, and this contributes to their mortality. This is likely another reason why brushtail possum population densities are smaller in Australia than in New Zealand.<ref name="Tyndale2005" /> Brushtail possums are usually not aggressive towards each other and usually just stare with erect ears.<ref name="Tyndale2005" /> They vocalise with clicks, grunts, hisses, alarm chatters, guttural coughs, and screeching.<ref name="Nowak1991" /><ref name="Cronin2008" />

<gallery mode = packed heights = 180px>
Trichosurus vulpecula brown form.jpg|In a tree (dark brown form)
Common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) climbing with joey Scottsdale.jpg|Climbing with joey (light brown form)
Common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) with joey Triabunna.jpg|Feeding with joey
</gallery>

===Reproduction and life history===

The common brushtail possum can breed at any time of the year, but breeding tends to peak in spring, from September to November, and in autumn, from March to May, in some areas. Mating is promiscuous and random; some males can sire several young in a season, while over half sire none.<ref name="Tyndale2005" /> In one Queensland population, males apparently need a month of consorting with females before they can mate with them.<ref name="Winter1976" /> Females have a gestation period of 16–18 days, after which they give birth to single young.<ref name="Nowak1991" /><ref name="Cronin2008" /> A newborn brushtail possum is only {{Convert|1.5|cm|abbr=on|sigfig=1}} long and weighs only {{Convert|2|g|abbr=on|sigfig=1}}. As usual for marsupials, the newborn may climb, unaided, through the female's fur and into the pouch and attach to a teat. The young develops and remains inside the mother's pouch for another 4–5 months. A preliminary study inducing [[ovulation]] through exposure of [[Hormone|hormones]] resulted in changes to the appearance of [[Mammary gland|mammary glands]] in females suggesting that mammary glands provide immunological protection to [[Infant|neonates]] through [[milk]] secretions.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Old |first1=Julie M. |last2=Irving |first2=M. |last3=Deane |first3=Elizabeth M. |date=2005-07-04 |title=BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Histology of the pouch epithelium and the mammary glands during chemically induced oestrus in the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7580.2005.00424.x |journal=Journal of Anatomy |volume=207 |issue=1 |pages=97–102 |doi=10.1111/j.1469-7580.2005.00424.x |pmid=16011549 |issn=0021-8782|pmc=1571494 }}</ref> When older, the young is left in the den or rides on its mother's back until it is 7–9 months old.<ref name="Nowak1991" /><ref name="Cronin2008" /> Females reach sexual maturity when they are a year old, and males do so at the end of their second year.<ref name="Nowak1991" /><ref name="Cronin2008" /> Brushtail possums can live up to 13 years in the wild.<ref name="Nowak1991" /><ref name="Cronin2008" />

Female young have a higher survival rate than their male counterparts due to establishing their home ranges closer to their mothers, while males travel farther in search of new nesting sites, encountering established territories from which they may be forcibly ejected. In New Zealand's [[Ōrongorongo River|Ōrongorongo]] population, female young have been found to continue to associate with their mothers after weaning, and some inherit the prime den sites.<ref name="Brockoe1992" /> A possible competition exists between mothers and daughters for dens, and daughters may be excluded from a den occupied by the mother.<ref name="Johnson2001" /> In forests with shortages of den sites, females apparently produce more sons, which do not compete directly for den sites, while in forests with plentiful den sites, female young are greater in number.<ref name="Johnson2001" />
[[File:Brushtail possum exudative dermatitis.jpg|thumb|Brushtail possum exhibiting exudative dermatitis, a condition that often results from stress associated with overcrowding, particularly in young males attempting to assert territory]]

==Relationship with humans==
[[File:Baby common brushtail no 1.JPG|thumb|Abandoned joey handed to Fauna Rescue, [[Adelaide]], [[South Australia]]]]
The common brushtail possum is considered a pest in some areas, as it is known to cause damage to pine plantations, regenerative forest, flowers, fruit trees, and buildings. Like other [[Phalangeriformes|possums]], it 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. It is a traditional food source for some Indigenous Australian groups.

===Australia===
Although once hunted extensively for its fur, the common brushtail possum is largely protected throughout Australia. Tasmania gives crop-protection permits to landowners whose property has been damaged.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://nre.tas.gov.au/wildlife-management/living-with-wildlife/living-with-brush-tailed-possums#:~:text=Remember%3A%20brush%2Dtailed%20possums%20are,especially%20when%20injured%20or%20afraid | title=Living with Brush-tailed Possums &#124; Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania }}</ref>

While its populations are declining in some regions due to habitat loss, urban populations indicate an adaptation to the presence of humans.<ref name="Roetman2009" /> In some mainland states, possum trapping is permitted when attempting to evict possums from human residences (e.g. roofs), but possums must be released after dusk within 24 hours of capture, no more than 50 m from the trapping site. In some states, e.g. Victoria, trapped possums may be taken to registered veterinarians to be euthanased.<ref name="VicGov2025" /> In South Australia, they are fully protected and permits are required for trapping possums in human residences<ref name="SAGovduplicate" /> or for keeping or rescuing sick or injured wild possums and other native animals.<ref name="SApermit" /> In Queensland, they can only be trapped by licensed commercial relocators who must release possums within {{Convert|25|m}} of the point of capture to ensure that an animal is not released into another possum's home range (possums are less likely to survive if they are released into a new area where they do not have access to a den or must compete with a neighbouring possum for den space).<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2021-10-18|title=Brushtail possums|url=https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/wildlife/animals/living-with/brushtail-possum|url-status=live|access-date=2021-10-29|website=Department of Environment and Science, Queensland|language=en-AU|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308092238/https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/wildlife/animals/living-with/brushtail-possum |archive-date=2020-03-08 }}</ref>

===New Zealand===
{{Main|Common brushtail possum in New Zealand}}
Since its [[introduced species|introduction]] from Australia by European settlers in the 1850s, the common brushtail possum has become a major threat to New Zealand native forests and birds. It is also [[Bovine tuberculosis#New Zealand|a host]] for the highly contagious [[bovine tuberculosis]].<ref name="Meyer2000" /> This is not an issue in Australia, where the disease has been eradicated.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=More |first1=SJ |last2=Radunz |first2=B |last3=Glanville |first3=RJ |title=Lessons learned during the successful eradication of bovine tuberculosis from Australia. |journal=The Veterinary Record |date=5 September 2015 |volume=177 |issue=9 |pages=224–32 |doi=10.1136/vr.103163 |pmid=26338937 |pmc=4602242}}</ref>

By the 1980s, the peak population had reached an estimated 60–70 million, but is now down to an estimated 30 million due to control measures. The New Zealand Department of Conservation controls possum numbers in many areas via the aerial dropping of [[1080 usage in New Zealand|1080-laced bait]].<ref name="NZ1080" /> Hunting is not restricted, but the population seems to be stable despite the annual killing of thousands of the animals.<ref name="Meyer2000" />

===Hunting===
Possums are a pest in New Zealand and Tasmania, where they are [[cull]]ed for their meat and fur. However, due to ''[[tuberculosis]]'' being prevalent in many possums across most of New Zealand, possums are generally only eaten in [[Northland Region|Northland]], where the disease does not exist in possums. In Northland, possum meat has even been used in [[meat pie]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harris |first=Sarah |date=25 Aug 2015 |title=Possum on menu in the Far North |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/northland/71285746/possum-on-menu-in-the-far-north |access-date= |website=Stuff |language=en}}</ref>

In Tasmania, possum meat is served at some restaurants. On [[Bruny Island]], possum meat is sold at Bruny Island Game Meats, which also sell it at [[farmer's market]]s, including in [[Hobart]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2011/06/06/3236877.htm | title=Having the locals for dinner: Putting possum on the menu - ABC (None) - Australian Broadcasting Corporation | website=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] }}</ref>

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{{Reflist|1=2|refs=
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<ref name="Johnson2001">Johnson CN, Clinchy M, Taylor AC, Krebs CJ, Jarman PJ, Payne A, Ritchie EG. (2001) "Adjustment of offspring sex ratios in relation to the availability of resources for philopatric offspring in the common brushtail possum". ''Proceedings of the Royal Society of London'' B 268:2001-05.</ref>
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<ref name="SAGov">{{cite web|title=Living with Possums in South Australia|url=http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/files/sharedassets/public/plants_and_animals/aus_possums_roof.pdf|publisher=Department for Environment and Heritage|access-date=24 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411012825/https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/files/sharedassets/public/plants_and_animals/aus_possums_roof.pdf|archive-date=11 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="SAGovduplicate">[http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/Plants_and_Animals/Living_with_wildlife/Possums SA Department for Environment and Water > Plants and animals > Possums] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626204132/http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/Plants_and_Animals/Living_with_wildlife/Possums |date=2012-06-26 }} Retrieved 21 April 2019.</ref>
<ref name="SApermit">[https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/topics/plants-and-animals/permits-and-licences/Native_animals_in_the_wild/Possum_Permits SADepartment for Environment and Water > Possum Permits] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421023924/https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/topics/plants-and-animals/permits-and-licences/Native_animals_in_the_wild/Possum_Permits |date=2019-04-21 }} Retrieved 21 April 2019.</ref>
<ref name="TasGov">{{cite web|title=Brushtail Possum|url=http://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/wildlife-management/fauna-of-tasmania/mammals/possums-kangaroos-and-wombats/possums/brushtail-possums|publisher=Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (Tasmania)|access-date=24 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024100307/http://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/wildlife-management/fauna-of-tasmania/mammals/possums-kangaroos-and-wombats/possums/brushtail-possums|archive-date=24 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="Tyndale2005">H Tyndale-Biscoe. (2005) ''Life of Marsupials''. pp. 250-58. CSIRO Publishing.</ref>
<ref name="VicGov2025">[https://www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/managing-wildlife/possums Possums] [[Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action]], 15 July 2022. Retrieved 24 March 2025.</ref>
<ref name="Wellard1981">Wellard GA, Hume ID (1981) "Nitrogen metabolism and nitrogen requirement of the brushtail possum, ''Trichosurus vulpecula'' (Kerr)." ''Australian Journal of Zoology'' 29:147-57.</ref>
<ref name="Winter1976">Winter JW (1976) ''The behaviour and social organisation of the brush-tail possum (''Trichosurus vulpecula'', Kerr)'' PhD Thesis, University of Queensland.</ref>
}}

==Further reading==
{{refbegin}}
*Marsh, K. J., Wallis, I. R., & Foley, W. J. (2003).  The effect of inactivating tannins on the intake of Eucalyptus foliage by a specialist Eucalyptus folivore (''Pseudocheirus peregrinus'') and a generalist herbivore (''Trichosurus vulpecula'').  ''Australian Journal of Zoology, 51'', 41–42.
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Trichosurus vulpecula}}
*[http://blog.forestandbird.org.nz/the-ultimate-pest-buster/#more-809 Blog.forestandbird.org.nz]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070715210640/http://www.australianfauna.com/brushtailpossum.php Brushtail possum]
*[http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/publications/infosheets/possums/ Landcare Research NZ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060506165749/http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/publications/infosheets/possums/ |date=2006-05-06 }}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110719074935/http://www.arkive.org/common-brushtail-possum/trichosurus-vulpecula/ Common brushtail possum (''Trichosurus vulpecula'')] at ARKive
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20081014021214/http://www.possumbase.org.nz/ PossumBase]

{{Diprotodontia|P.}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q732477}}

[[Category:Possums]]
[[Category:Mammals described in 1792]]
[[Category:Mammals of Tasmania]]
[[Category:Mammals of Western Australia]]
[[Category:Mammals of South Australia]]
[[Category:Mammals of the Northern Territory]]
[[Category:Mammals of Queensland]]
[[Category:Mammals of New South Wales]]
[[Category:Marsupials of Australia]]
[[Category:Mammals of New Zealand]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Robert Kerr (writer)]]