Feather-tailed possum

The spring tail Beutler ( Distoechurus pennatus ) is a Beutelsäugerart from the family of Zwerggleitbeutler ( Acrobatidae ). Despite his relationship with gliding marsupials he has himself no Gleitmembranen.

The soft, woolly fur of the tail spring Beutler is colored gray, striking is the white face, which is provided with two black eye stripe. Named giving characteristic is the tail, which is open on both sides with bristle-like hairs. The eyes are large, the ears small and hairless. These animals can reach a body length 10-13 cm, a tail length of 13-16 centimeters and a weight of 38-62 grams.

Feathertail Beutler are widespread throughout New Guinea, their habitat are primarily rain forests up to 1900 meters above sea level. They are nocturnal and arboreal, during the day they sleep in hollow trees or in dense foliage. They are considered active animals and skillful climbers who usually lead a solitary life skills. Their diet consists of nectar, flowers, fruits, insects and other invertebrates.

Little is known about reproduction, females with a cub in the bag were found in January and between July and October. Animals in captivity were 20 months old.

The spring tail Beutler is likely to be relatively common, it is not considered a threatened species.