Golden Brushtail Possum

Trichosurus vulpecula

DON’T LET THEM FOX YOU

Pure golden brushtail possums are occasionally seen in the wild. They are not albinos, but are a rare colour variation. In some areas they are more common because the gene responsible for the golden colour may be passed on within a local population. They are unique to Tasmania. 

Brushtail possums can vary considerably in size and colour. In the drier bush of Tasmania they  tend to be silver grey, grading towards almost black in the denser, wetter forests. What advantage do you think this has? Many of the almost black brush tail possums that are killed on the road are mistakenly identified as devils. The giveaway is that most devils have a white patch on their body. Could it also be that sometimes the Golden Possum has been identified as a fox, particularly as its eyes show red at night? Again, a fox has a white tip to its tail.

KEEPING THE BALANCE

Brushtails feed mainly on the leaves, fruits, buds and bark of trees and shrubs. Their ability to digest a wide range of plant material enables them to survive in a wide variety of habitats. They enjoy introduced plants and vegetables and are often seen scavenging from rubbish bins and barbecues. Possums particularly enjoy sweet corn, over-ripe bananas and bread sandwiches.  In the absence of their natural predators - Tasmanian devils and owls - brushtails can reach plague proportions. This has happened in New Zealand where introduced possums are ravaging the native forests.