Scaly-tailed possum

The Schuppenschwanzkusu ( Wyulda squamicaudata ) is a Beutelsäugerart from the family of climbing Beutler ( Phalangeridae ). These animals live exclusively in the Kimberley region of northern Western Australia.

Named giving feature is the in the back half of small shed covered tail that can be used as a prehensile tail. The short, soft fur of the animals is colored gray-brown, a dark back stripe extends from the shoulders to the rump. Belly and throat are more brightly colored. Schuppenschwanzkusus reach a body length from 29 to 40 centimeters, the tail is 25 to 33 inches long and the weight of the animals is 1.4 to 2 kg.

Habitat of these animals is stock of trees, rocky terrain. They are nocturnal and sleep during the day in crevices. At night, they go in search of food, often climb trees. They are omnivorous, take the leaves, fruits, insects and small vertebrates probably also to himself. Schuppenschwanzkusus live solitary.

Between March and August usually is a single young is born, which is weaned after eight months. Sexual maturity occurs relatively late, in males 1.5, females with 3 years.

By 1965, only four specimens were known, since the animals were regularly observed. Their habitat is relatively small and fragmented, the IUCN lists them as " missing data ".