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!
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