File:Ring-tailed possum climbing down tree - DPLA - cbfa70c84a18143a83e186055ccbe472.jpg

35 mm slide; color. Scientific Classification: Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Mammalia; Order: Diprotodonta; Family: Pseudocheiridae; Genus: Pseudocheirus; Genus species: Pseudocheirus peregrinus. Animal characteristics: Head-Body Length: 300-350 cm; Weight: 700-1100 g; Identification: The ring-tailed possum has white patches behind its ears extending to the tip of its tail; Habitat: Areas with a variety of vegetation; Diet: Herbivore: primarily leaves, flowers, fruits; Reproduction: Breeding takes place between April and November. A male and female may remain together for more than one season, although the male may mate with a second female in a different part of his home range. Two young are born at a time and remain in the pouch for four months. If the first litter is born early enough, the breeding pair may produce a second litter during the same season; Behavior: These nocturnal possums are very vocal, having a soft, high-pitched twittering call. They often live in close association with humans (gardens, etc); Status: No special status; Interesting Facts: Scientists believe that this species is actually comprised of several separate closely-related species that are still diverging. Their distribution and abundance depends on the availability of nesting sites within an area. Ring-tailed possums are one of the few marsupials able to eat eucalyptus leaves.