Pseudochirops archeri (Collett, 1884)

Species Classification

The green ringtail possum (Pseudochirops archeri) is a ringtail possum species that occurs only in northern Australia.

It is the only member of its genus found in Australia; all other species in the genus live in New Guinea or the islands near New Guinea.

Distribution Range

This possum is restricted to a very small area of northeastern Queensland, located between Paluma and the Mount Windsor Tableland.

Common Name Origin

The species gets its common name from the greenish tinge of its fur.

Fur Coloration

While its base fur color is actually olive grey, it is grizzled with a mix of silver, yellow, and black hairs that create an overall green appearance.

Activity and Social Behavior

Green ringtail possums are nocturnal, solitary, and arboreal.

Primary Diet

They feed mainly on leaves, and are one of the few species able to eat the leaves of the stinger plant (Dendrocnide moroides).

Stinger Plant Human Effects

Contact with this stinger plant causes extreme pain in humans, and human exposure often requires hospital treatment.

Coprophagy Behavior

Green ringtail possums also practice coprophagy, the behavior of eating one’s own faeces.