Trichosurus – Brushtail possums
Females have a bifurcated reproductive tract that allows them to carry and nurse two offspring at once
A group of arboreal marsupials found primarily in Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia. One of their unique features is their diet, which is composed mainly of eucalyptus leaves. These leaves contain high levels of toxins that are harmful to most other animals, but the ringtail possum has a special gut microbiome that enables it to break down and detoxify the compounds in the leaves.
Additionally, Trichosurus possums are known for their vocalizations, which can be used to communicate with others of their species and warn of potential predators. Their distinctive calls can range from gentle chirps to loud screeches, and they play an important role in maintaining social bonds within their communities.
Species in this genus
Common brushtail possum
They use their tails to grip branches, aiding in climbing and movement