Bushy-tailed opossum

The bush -tailed possum ( Glironia venusta ) is a mammal of the family of opossums ( Didelphidae ).

Description

The dense, woolly fur of these animals is brownish in color, two dark brown or black longitudinal stripes on their face provide a mask- like appearance. The tail is slightly longer than the body and up to the top relatively hairless bushy. These animals reach a head-body length of 16 to 20 cm and a tail length of 20-23 centimeters.

Habitat

So far, only nine specimens of this species was found, all. In the rain forests of Brazil, Peru, Ecuador or Bolivia Because of the physique ( opposable thumbs and prehensile tail ) it is suspected that she lives on trees.

Way of life

Over the life of the bush -tailed possum, little is known. Like most other possums they might be a nocturnal, solitary omnivores.

Threat

Although the bush -tailed possum is very rare, it lists the IUCN as not at risk ( " least concern ").

System

About the systematic allocation of the bush tail possum is disagreement. It is most often classified in the subfamily Caluromyinae as close relative of the wool opossums. Other classifications her talk, however, to the rank of a separate subfamily ( Glironiinae ).