Racoon possum (SciiFii)

The raccoon possum (Trichosurops ursinus), sometimes also known as the marsupial raccoon, is a species of Australian possum, most closely related to the brushtail possums (Trichosurus), that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, forests, wetlands, and open woodlands across Australia to help boost biodiversity. The raccoon possum is a semi-arboreal marsupial of the family Phalangeridae, having a body length of 40 to 70 cm (16 to 28 in), and a body weight of 5 to 26 kg (11 to 57 lb). Three of the raccoon possum's most distinctive features are its extremely dexterous front paws, a yellow stripe on its back, and its large ears. The raccoon possum is noted for its intelligence, compared with most marsupials, as studies show that it is able to remember the solution to tasks for at least three years. It is usually nocturnal and omnivorous, eating about 40% invertebrates, 33% plants, and 27% vertebrates. Though they are commonly thought to be generally solitary, raccoon possums engage in sex-specific social behavior. Related females often share a common area, while unrelated males live together in groups of up to four raccoon possums, in order to maintain their positions against foreign males during the mating season, and other potential invaders. Home range sizes vary anywhere from 3 hectares (7.4 acres) for females in cities, to 5,000 hectares (12,000 acres) for males in prairies. After a gestation period of about 65 days, two to five young, known as "joeys", are born in spring. The joeys are subsequently raised in their mother's pouches until dispersal in late fall. Although captive raccoon possums have been known to live over 20 years, their life expectancy in the wild is only 6 to 9 years. The conservation status of the raccoon possum is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the raccoon possum's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii