Leadbeater's Possum
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ID#25
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Classification: Mammal
Endangered Status: Endangered Habitat: Forests The Leadbeater’s possum is 6-7 inches and weighs 3 5/8- 6 oz. Its tail is 6-8 in long with a dark black line that goes from the end of the tail directly over the spine to the tip of the nose. The Leadbeater’s possum has a white under belly. The Leadbeater’s possum lives in groups of 8 and unlike most animals the females of the group protect and guard the group’s territory. This animal is a nocturnal and diurnal. (This means that they have pouches to carry their young.) The Leadbeater’s Possum eats small invertebrates, grains, fruits, and nuts. A Leadbeater’s possum can have up to 2 babies per litter. The gestation period is 15-20 days and they are born immaturely. They breed 2 times a year (Once April- June and one October-December.) They live up to 5 years in the wild and 10 years in captivity. Some facts about the Leadbeater’s possum is that they were qualified as extinct in 1961 and was rediscovered 2 years ago. The lead beater’s possum is also called the forest fairy. In the colonies, the females are dominant. |