Feather-tailed possum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Feather-tailed possum |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Distoechurus
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| Species: |
pennatus
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| Feather-tailed possum range | |
Meet the feather-tailed possum (Distoechurus pennatus), a super cool marsupial! Marsupials are animals like kangaroos and koalas that often carry their babies in a pouch. This little possum belongs to a family called Acrobatidae. You can find these amazing creatures living in the forests of West Papua and Papua New Guinea. Don't mix it up with its cousin, the feathertail glider! Even though they are both in the same family, they are different animals.
Where It Lives
The feather-tailed possum lives in most parts of Papua New Guinea. The only place it doesn't live is in the southern lowlands. These possums are very adaptable! They can live in almost all kinds of forests, even up to 1,900 meters (about 6,200 feet) high. They can also be found in forests that have been disturbed or even in gardens.
What It Looks Like
This small possum has a head and body that are about 10 to 12 centimeters (4 to 4.7 inches) long. Its tail is even longer, measuring about 12.3 to 15.5 centimeters (4.8 to 6.1 inches). So, from nose to tail tip, it can be up to 27.5 centimeters (10.8 inches) long!
One of its most special features is its tongue. It's about 2.1 centimeters (0.8 inches) long! The top of its tongue is covered in tiny, backward-pointing bristles. These bristles help the possum collect nectar and pollen from flowers, almost like a tiny brush.
Its body is usually a dull buff, light brown, or grayish color. Its face is quite striking, with black and white stripes on its muzzle and the top of its head. It also has clear black patches right behind its small, bare ears. Its eyes are big, which helps it see in the dark.
The tail is mostly bare, but it has stiff hairs along each side. These hairs stick out horizontally, making the tail look like a feather. That's how it got its name! The tip of its tail can also grab onto things, which is called being prehensile. This helps it climb trees. Its feet are also special, with six pads instead of five, and sharp, hooked claws. These features are perfect for climbing!
What It Eats
The feather-tailed possum loves to eat nectar and pollen from flowers. It also enjoys other foods it finds in the forest. Its special tongue is perfect for sipping up sweet nectar!
