Pseudocheirus peregrinus occidentalis (Thomas, 1888)

Adult Weight

The common ringtail possum, Pseudocheirus peregrinus occidentalis, reaches an adult weight of 550 to 1,100 grams (19 to 39 ounces), with a body length of 30 to 35 centimeters (12 to 14 inches).

Body and Tail Length

This body length does not include the tail, which grows to roughly the same length as the body.

Fur Coloration

It has grey or black fur, with white patches located behind the eyes, and usually a cream-coloured belly.

Prehensile Tail Trait

It has a long prehensile tail that typically has a distinctive white tip that makes up more than 25% of the tail’s total length.

Foot Morphology

Its back feet are syndactyl, a trait that aids climbing.

Molar Structure

The molars of the common ringtail possum have sharp, pointed cusps.

Geographical Distribution

The common ringtail possum is distributed along Australia’s east coast, in Tasmania, and in a portion of southwestern Australia.

Climate Preference

It generally inhabits temperate and tropical environments, and is rare in drier regions.

Habitat Preference

It prefers dense brush forests, particularly eucalyptus forests.

Ecological Niche

The common ringtail possum and its close relatives fill a range of ecological niches similar to those held by lemurs, monkeys, squirrels, and bushbabies in comparable forests on other continents.

Population Abundance

It is less abundant and less widespread than the common brushtail possum.

Marsupial Reproductive Trait

As a marsupial, the common ringtail possum carries its developing young in a pouch.

Mating Season Timing

Mating season can occur anywhere between April and December depending on the region, with the majority of young born between May and July.

Oestrous Cycle Characteristics

The oestrous cycle of the common ringtail possum lasts 28 days, and the species is both polyoestrous and polyovular.

Replacement Litter Potential

If a female loses her litter prematurely, she can return to oestrous and produce a replacement second litter in October if conditions are suitable.

Litter Size

The average litter size is two young, though triplets occur very occasionally.

Juvenile Growth Rate

Common ringtail possum young grow relatively slowly because their mother’s milk is dilute and low in lipids.

Milk Composition Variability

Like in other marsupials, the composition of the common ringtail possum’s milk changes throughout lactation.

Post-Pouch Lactation Phase

During the second phase of lactation, after the young first emerges from the pouch, the young eat more solid foods.

Lactation Phase Nutrient Changes

During this period, carbohydrate concentration in the milk falls, while protein and lipid concentrations reach their highest levels.

Lactation Period Benefits

The long lactation period of common ringtail possums gives young more time to learn skills in the communal nest, as well as practice climbing and foraging in the trees.

Juvenile Sensory Development

Young common ringtail possums first gain the ability to vocalise and open their eyes between 90 and 106 days after birth.

Pouch Exit Age

They leave their mother’s pouch between 120 and 130 days of age.

Lactation Duration

Lactation typically continues until 180 to 220 days after birth, though it sometimes ends as early as 145 days after birth.

Sexual Maturity Timing

Both sexes reach sexual maturity during the first mating season after their birth.