07/06/2026
The Tasmanian ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus), a subspecies of the common ringtail possum, is a small, shy, and strictly nocturnal marsupial native to Tasmania. About the size of a small domestic cat, it is easily identified by its grey-to-black coat, white belly, white ear patches, and a distinctive prehensile tail tipped with white.
Key Characteristics & DietSize & Weight: 30–35 cm in body length with a tail of equal length; they weigh between 550 g and 1.1 kg.
The Tail: Highly prehensile, used like a fifth limb to climb, jump, and carry twigs and leaves for nesting. It often rests in a characteristic spiral shape.
Diet: Strictly folivorous (leaf-eating) and frugivorous (fruit-eating). They have a specialized digestive system and engage in cecotrophy—eating a specific type of daytime f***s to re-absorb nutrients.Nesting: Unlike brushtails, they build spherical nests called "dreys" out of bark, twigs, and leaves hidden in dense foliage.
Breeding & LifecycleBreeding Season: Breeding occurs from April to November.Joey Development: After a short gestation of about 15 to 26 days, babies (joeys) are born hairless and stay in the pouch for roughly 4-5 months.
Family Care: Uniquely among many marsupials, both parents help care for the young, which will ride on their parents' backs before dispersing at 8–12 months.
Main threats include habitat loss, domestic cat/dog attacks, and vehicle collisions. Cat scratches or bites are particularly fatal if untreated, meaning any injured possums must be taken to a vet for immediate antibiotics.
Coexistence: While they are generally quiet and peaceful, occasionally taking up residence in backyard gardens and orchards, they generally do not cause structural roof damage like their larger brushtail cousins.
📸 Hendrix - currently in care. 🐾🌿✨