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pygmy possum

The World’s Cutest Possum, the Pygmy Possum

  • 22 February, 2019
  • Critterman
  • 2 Comments
  • 3959 Views
  • 14 Likes
Daily Critter Facts, Land Mammal Facts, Marsupial Facts

There are 5 known species of pygmy possums in Australia: The mountain, western, eastern, Tasmanian, & the long-tailed pygmy possum. All possums are marsupials (rear their young in pouches located on their stomachs, called a marsupium). These are among the very few Australian animals that can’t kill you. They may want to, but they just can’t. Most pygmies are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

First the Stats…

Scientific name: Burramyidae
Weight: Up to 1.6 oz
Length: Up to 3.9 inches
Lifespan: Up to 12 years

Now on to the Facts!

1.) Its fur is fine but very dense keeping the animal warm in sometimes freezing temperatures.

2.) The Mountain Pygmy possum is the only Australian marsupial that hibernates.

3.) Pygmy possums primarily eat nectar, but some eat insects.

4.) They have prehensile tails that they use to grasp branches and to assist in climbing.

5.) Like other marsupials, their tails swell with fat reserves when there is ample food supplies.

But wait, there’s more on the pygmy possum!

6.) It’s hard to know the exact amount and distribution of pygmy possums since they are very hard to capture.

7.) The pygmy possum is a solitary creature and males have a larger home range than females.

Did you know…?
The Mountain Pygmy Possum is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN!

8.) Pygmies are nocturnal (active at night).

9.) Owls, Tasmanian devils, dingoes, quolls, goannas, and snakes are the primary predators of pygmy possums. Feral cats, foxes, and dogs have also been added to this predator list.

10.) They usually have between 3 – 4 babies each year.

Now a Short Pygmy Possum Video!

Also, check out the Critter Science YouTube channel. Videos added frequently!

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Critterman

With over 50 years of critter experience to my credit and hundreds of zoology teaching hours to people around the world, I have amassed not only a continuing thirst for critter knowledge but a desire to teach others all I can about the majesty and wonder of our natural world. Critter Science is a culmination of such knowledge. I have hands on as well as book acquired intel on all kinds of critters. Whether they're on land, sea, or in the air. I will never say that I know everything about all animals. That's impossible, even for a savant. But, that being said, ask me any animal question and I'll answer it. If I don't know the answer, I'll get an answer for you!

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