Both species are nocturnal marsupials found across Australia in a variety of environments, from wild forests to suburban gardens and city parks. They can be tricky to tell apart but there are some telltale differences.
Appearance
Ringtail possums have a thin, white tipped tail that curls like a ring and acts like a fifth limb. They have brown, grey or reddish fur on their head and back, with lighter fur on their chests. Ringtails are smaller than brushtails, weighing less than 1kg and visually about the size of a young kitten.
Distribution and habitat
Ringtail possums are found across Australia and have adapted well to a range of habitats. They are often spotted in suburbs and backyards.
Diet
The ringtail possum’s diet consists mainly of eucalyptus leaves and other native vegetation, but they also consume flowers and fruits. Ringtails consume their excrement to obtain the maximum amount of nutrients possible. This is known as caecotrophy.
Behaviour
One of the biggest differences between brushtails and ringtails is their nest. While brushtails prefer hollows of trees, ringtails make their own nest called a drey. Dreys are made up of grass, twigs and leaves woven together to make a round sphere. Both species are known to reside in roofs and ceilings, especially in suburban areas where resources might be limited.
Breeding season
Breeding season is from April to November, with adult females producing one to three young – called joeys. Joeys are born hairless and weigh less than one gram. They spend five to six months developing in the mother’s pouch before coming out. Once they start to emerge, they spend a lot of time clinging to their mother’s back and being carried around. They spend several more months with their mother before venturing off on their own. As ringtails have multiple young, it isn’t uncommon for a joey that has fallen off their mother’s back to be left behind.
Brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula)
Appearance
Brushtails are larger than ringtails, weighing as much as 4kg and are visually the size of an adult cat. As the name suggests, brushtails have a black ‘brush-like’ tail that is covered in thick fur. Their body is generally grey in colour, with lighter colouring on the underside. Some brushtails come in a yellow/golden colour, although this is quite rare!
Distribution and habitat
Like the ringtail possum, brushtails are found in an extensive range of habitats across Australia and are often spotted in suburbs and backyards.
Diet
The brushtail diet is extensive! They eat leaves, fruit, insects, bird eggs, and may even scavenge through rubbish for leftover bread or pastries.
Behaviour
Traditionally brushtails reside in tree hollows, however with land clearing and a lack of hollows, they have adapted, often finding homes in roofs, chimneys, sheds and other tight, dark spots that are similar to tree hollows.
Breeding season
Breeding season occurs between March and May, with adult females producing one joey per season. The joey will stay in the pouch for up to six months before moving onto mum’s back and becoming what is called a ‘backrider’. Joeys stay with their mothers for several months prior to venturing off on their own.
General fun facts
- Possums mark their territory by scent! They have secretion glands near their chin, chest and tail and use these to mark their home ranges.
- Possums are arboreal animals, meaning they are tree-dwelling and prefer to stay up high than venturing onto the ground.
- Brushtail possums are generally sole operators, choosing a partner only when wanting to breed. In comparison, ringtail possums have large family groups.