Cercartetus – Pygmy possums
Nectar-feeding marsupials are guaranteed to leave you in awe with their looks and behavior
The adorable pygmy possum species in this genus have characteristic big shiny eyes with prominent rounded ears. The bulging eyes are equipped with night vision that helps them to survive a nocturnal lifestyle.
The size of the smallest species (Western pygmy possums) is comparable to the kiwi fruit. You can easily hold two to three possums in the palm of your hand – of course, depending upon the size of your hand. Their cylindrical body is covered with fawn to grayish fur with a long yet somewhat naked tail. The prehensile tail supports these animals while climbing and hopping between the trees.
They survive colder days by folding in their ears and curling in to conserve energy.
Species in this genus
Western pygmy possum
Population is stable, but still rare in the south coast & Southwest Australia
