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Wildlife of Tasmania Mammals of Tasmania The Tasmanian Pygmy Possum (Cercartetus lepidus), also known as the Little Pygmy Possum, is Australia's smallest possum. It is found in Tasmania, in the Murray-Darling basin in South Australia and Victoria and on Kangaroo Island. The Tasmanian Pygmy Possum is an arboreal species with a prehensile tail, that occurs in schlerophyll forests. The body of the Tasmanian Pygmy Possum is on average 64 mm in length, (2.7"-5") with a 71 mm long tail, and weighs on average 7 g. The Tasmanian Pygmy Possum is insectivirous and may eat lizards. It is indeed the smallest of all possums. Little Pygmy Possum, Cercartetus lepidus http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/wildlif...ls/lpygpos1.JPG Distribution, habitat and diet It occurs throughout a range of habitats, except rainforest. It spends much of its time in the lower, dense canopies of the understorey vegetation. It is most common in drier forests and heathlands in the east of the state. The animal generally nests in the hollows of old trees, low lying brush and birds nests. Breeding Females give birth to up to four young which stay within the pouch for about six weeks. After this time, the young are left within the nest, occasionally travelling with the mother by clinging onto her fur as she forages. Torpor Being a small mammal posses difficulties during the cold of the Tasmanian winter. Its small size means that the animal has, in comparison to its body volume, a lot of skin through which to loose body heat. In other words, it has a high surface area to volume ratio. The little pygmy possum, like its close relative, the eastern pygmy possum is able to overcome these difficulties through its ability to enter torpor. This is a means by which an animal is able to reduce energy expenditure by lowering its metabolism. Its body temperature can drop to near that of its surroundings. Unlike true hibernation, torpidity generally only lasts for a few days at a time. BEHAVIOR Constructs nests in tree-hollows, in wall cavities, under turf, or in birds' nests. Not threatened, but rare throughout its range. SIGNIFICANCE TO HUMANS None known. |
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...Won after a LOOOOOONG time!
