Possum
Possum
Possum
Are you familiar with the animal called a possum? With their large, adorable eyes, they appear very cute. However, they are considered a protected species in some countries and a pest in others. Whether they are liked or disliked is a complicated issue. Let us introduce you to the possum and explore this ambiguity.
Possum Basic Infomation
Phylum: Chordata, Subphylum: Vertebrata, Class: Mammalia, Subclass: Theria, Infraclass: Marsupialia, Superorder: Australidelphia, Order: Diprotodontia, Suborder: Phalangeriformes
Body length: 65cm to 95cm, Weight: 1.5kg to 6.5kg
Possums are originally from Australia but were also introduced to New Zealand, where they now predominantly reside in both countries.
Characteristic features include their large, bulging eyes and protruding noses. Their hind toes are opposable, and they have long claws and tails, which allow them to grasp, climb, and hang from trees.
Interestingly, the term 'possum' does not refer to a single species but is a generic name considering the above characteristics. Therefore, there are about 30 species that do not bear the name 'possum' individually but have names prefixed with 'possum'. It's a bit confusing, right?
Possum Q&A
What is the origin of the possum's name?
The name 'possum' originates from a resemblance to the opossum, an entirely different species found in America, known in Native American Algonquin language as 'apasum,' meaning 'white animal.' This confusion arose despite the significant biological differences between the two.
Why does the possum live there?
Possums can live just about anywhere they find shelter and food, but they are commonly found in areas where forests and grasslands intermingle. They spend most of their time in trees and are nocturnal, hiding in tree hollows or dense foliage during the day, and foraging in the trees at night.
What does the possum eat?
Possums are omnivores and will eat almost anything. Their diet includes leaves, flowers, fruits, buds, small animals, and eggs. Their preference for tree-based food sources means they rarely need to descend to the ground.
How do possums spend their early life?
Possums have two breeding seasons per year. They have a short gestation period of about 17 to 18 days, and usually, only one offspring is born at a time. The newborn spends approximately 70 to 120 days in the mother's pouch, similar to kangaroos.
Do possums really play dead?
When threatened, possums can 'play dead' as a defense mechanism. They can also emit a foul scent from glands near their chest to deter predators, alongside hissing as an intimidation tactic.
Are possums at risk of extinction?
In Australia, the possum's native country, their numbers are declining and they are considered a protected species. Factors contributing to their decline include hunting for their fur, used in high-end garments like coats, which are prized for being light and warm. Habitat destruction due to urban development and wildfires has also played a role.
Are possums disliked?
While possums are protected in Australia, they are considered pests in New Zealand. Introduced in the 19th century for the fur trade, their population exploded, adversely affecting local flora and fauna. Measures have been taken to control their numbers, which include hunting and other population control methods.
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Possum Type of List
Possums are divided into several families within the Suborder Phalangeriformes, encompassing about 30 species. Here are some species categorized under different families:
[Cuscus Family] includes species such as the Common Spotted Cuscus.
[Ringtail Family] includes species such as the Common Ringtail Possum.
[Gliding Possums Family] includes species such as Sugar Gliders and Flying Phalangers.
[Scaly-tailed Possum Family] includes species such as the Scaly-tailed Possum.
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Possum References
- Wikipedia https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/ポッサム
- BIOME ポッサム・オポッサム問題 https://biome.co.jp/biome_blog_164/
- Waku Waku Tasmania https://wakuwakutas.com/about-possum/
- NZ便利帖 https://nzbenricho.com/possum/
- 生き物宇宙紀行 https://ikimono-matome.com/opossum-possum/
- nzdaisuki.com https://nzdaisuki.com/topic/living/be-careful-of-possums
- KNIT MAGAZINE https://www.knitmag.jp/19373
- ekolss https://ja.ekolss.com/possum
- ニュージーランドにおける1980年代以降の地方自治制度改革〜国の公的部門改革との関連において〜 東北公益文化大学 公益学部 准教授 和田明子 http://www.clair.or.jp/j/forum/series/pdf/h20_05.pdf
Possum Introduction of media used
出典：https://pixabay.com/images/id-246778/
similar
出典：https://unsplash.com/photos/a9PETqz0QY8
出典：https://pixabay.com/images/id-335389/
出典：https://pixabay.com/images/id-667897/
出典：https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Possum_clayton.jpg
出典：https://pixabay.com/images/id-1594654/
出典：https://pixabay.com/images/id-14002/
other
出典：https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Possum_cyanide_warning.JPG
出典：https://pixabay.com/images/id-3908034/
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