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Common Name:
Possum - Striped
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Common Name:  Possum - Striped

Other Common Names:  Striped Phalanger, White-footed Phalanger, Common Striped Possum

Scientific Name:  Dactlyopsila trivirgata  (Full Taxonomy)

Group:  

Origin or Range:  New Guinea

Relative Size:  Average  
    (as compared to other marsupials)

Average Lifespan:  ??? year(s)

Compatibility:  Relatively Non-Aggressive   
    (as compared to other marsupials)

Category:  Mammals » Marsupials
Animal Description:  

The Striped Possum, a rarity in Australia but thriving in the islands of New Guinea, is a reserved little possum that makes its living in the trees of the wild outdoors.

The Striped Possum is a shy little creature, living inside the trees of Australia and New Guinea. They hunt by night, foraging for insects and delicious plants that they find around the forest. Striped Possums tear open rotting logs to reach insects inside. They live almost exclusively in trees, having bodies heavily adapted to living in the treetops, their long, agile tails aiding them in swinging from branch to branch. Unlike the common Brush-Tailed Possum, the Striped Possum is a reserved, individual creature that is not commonly seen in the wild. They are far less common than the Brush-Tailed Possum and thus remain a mysterious species of possum. They are stunningly quick and agile animals, and can zip around the trees of the forest with ease and grace. They can swing about and leap from tree to tree, tossing their bodies about with speed and agility. They eat mostly insects and plant material, feeding on whatever is plentiful or available around them at the time. They will ravage a dead tree, tearing open the tough exterior to feast on the delicious insects inside. They have powerful jaws for performing this task and can swiftly tear open a bug's nest. They have a unique calling system, sounding a lot like quacking that allows them to swiftly communicate with other rival possums nearby. They also move uniquely, swinging the appendages on one side of the body simultaneously, giving them a rather rolling gait. The Striped Possum is still very much a mysterious animal, a marsupial that is very rare and thus rarely seen. Biologists are still trying to uncover secrets about this fascinating little animal.

The Striped Possum is a beautiful example of the possum species. They have black and white stripes that color their bodies, giving them a pleasing appearance. They have highly developed toes, which are specially adapted for climbing and tearing and feeding. Striped Possums measure between 246 and 270 millimeters and their tails are between 310 and 340 millimeters in length! Their ears are small an dthey have an appendage on their tails much like a finger which aids them in climbing and grasping branches.

Striped Possoms are found throughout Australia and Papau New Guinea. The Striped Possum is a seriously noisy eater. Many biologists have tracked them down simply by following the smacking and slurping sounds that occur when a Striped Possum is eating. They can be found by predators this way as well, which makes it something of a hurdle for them. They are known for having an amazingly strong smell that marks their territory for them - they are infamous for this scent, which smells musky and fruity.

Specific Care Information: Relative Care Ease: Relatively Difficult

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Breeding and Propagation: Relative Breeding Ease: Uncertain

Striped Possums usually mate between February and August. Their litters consist of one or two young, and there are two teats inside the Striped Possum's pouch.

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Sunday, 5 July 2009