About Gracilinanus agilis (Burmeister, 1854)
Nomenclature and Native Range
The agile gracile opossum, scientifically named Gracilinanus agilis, is an opossum species native to South America. It can be found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Activity and Forest Understory Use
This species is nocturnal, arboreal, and most often occupies the forest understory, where it uses slender branches and vines.
Forest Habitat Types
It occurs in both evergreen and gallery forests; it is a characteristic resident of gallery forests in southern South America, but it also has a broad tolerance for different habitat types. Individuals have been captured under fallen tree trunks, in tree holes, and within moist woodland.
Climbing and Nesting Behavior
The agile gracile opossum is reported to be an adept climber, and vegetation nests built by this species have been discovered 1.6 meters above the ground. One recorded nest held seven individual opossums.
Capture Locations in Paraguay
In eastern Paraguay, this species is most commonly captured in vegetation, though it is occasionally caught on the ground.
Cerrado Habitat Association
This marsupial is found across the Brazilian cerrado, and is usually associated with mesic areas such as gallery forests.
Litter Size
This mouse opossum can have up to twelve young per litter.
Female Reproductive Traits
Females of this species do not have a true pouch, and their teats stay hidden when the female is not lactating.
Life Cycle
Gracilinanus agilis has a semelparous life cycle.
