A tiny marsupial that stands out from others in its family because of its eye-catching color. While most pygmy possums in its group are grey, this one has bright cinnamon-colored fur. Its belly is pure white, and there is a small band of dark brown fur in front of each eye, making its face even more striking. These possums are found in several areas of Australia, including the southwestern part of the country, the South Coast, and the Wheatbelt. They also live in parts of South Australia, on Kangaroo Island, and in Victoria south of Edenhope. However, they are officially listed as endangered in far southwestern New South Wales.

Unlike some larger possums, western pygmy possums only weigh a handful of grams. Because they are so light and agile, they can easily climb branches, looking for blossoms to drink from and little bugs to snack on. They have big eyes that help them see in the dark, and their ears can pick up on tiny sounds, which is useful for finding food and potential threats.

Another fascinating thing about these little creatures is their ability to save energy. When food is scarce or the weather is very cold, they can enter a short rest period where they lower their body temperature and heartbeat to get through tough times. This smart trick helps them survive until conditions improve. The western pygmy possum may be small, but it has many unique qualities that make it a vital part of its environment.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Australia

LC

2015