Pygmy possum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pygmy possums |
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| Cercartetus nanus | |
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Burramyidae
Broom, 1898
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Burramys |
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The pygmy possums are a group of very small possums. They belong to a special family of marsupials called Burramyidae.
Most pygmy possums live only in Australia. But one type can also be found in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.
About Pygmy Possums
Pygmy possums are super small! They are usually about 5 to 12 centimeters (2 to 5 inches) long. They weigh only about 10 to 50 grams (less than 2 ounces). That's like a few coins!
They are nocturnal, which means they are active at night. During the day, they sleep. They are also omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Their diet includes tiny bugs, fruit, seeds, and sweet nectar from flowers.
Amazing Climbers
Pygmy possums are amazing climbers! They have special tails called prehensile tails. These tails can grab onto branches like an extra hand. This helps them move easily through trees.
Even though they are good at climbing, they spend most of their time on the ground. Some types of pygmy possums can even leap long distances between branches.
The Mountain Pygmy Possum
The mountain pygmy possum is a very special kind of pygmy possum. It is the only mammal that lives only in the cold, high mountain areas of mainland Australia.
For a while, people thought this possum was extinct, meaning it had completely disappeared. But in 1966, it was found again at Mount Higginbotham in Victoria.
Hibernation
The mountain pygmy possum is the only Australian marsupial that hibernates. This means they go into a very deep sleep during the cold winter months.
To get ready for winter, they store up energy as fat in their bodies. Then, they roll into a ball and slow down their body temperature. This helps them save energy and survive the cold.
See also
In Spanish: Zarigüeyas pigmeas para niños
