Hyaena opossum (SciiFii)

The hyaena opossum (Cynodelphis hyaenodon), sometimes also inaccurately known as the hyena opossum, is a species of opossum, most closely related to the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the open woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, scrublands, and deserts across North America and South America to help boost biodiversity. The hyaena opossum fills the similar ecological niche to the striped hyenas (Hyaena hyaena) and the brown hyenas (Hyaena brunnea), being primarily a scavenger which feeds mainly on ungulate and rodent carcasses in different stages of decomposition, fresh bones, cartilages, ligaments and bone marrow. It crushes long bones into fine particles and swallows them, though sometimes entire bones are eaten whole. The hyaena opossum is not a fussy eater, though it has an aversion to vulture flesh. Although primarily a scavenger, large specimens have been known to kill their own prey, and attacks on donkeys and domestic horses have occurred in rare instances. The adult hyaena opossum weight can range from 22 to 55 kilograms (49 to 121 lb), averaging at about 35 kg (77 lb). Body length can range from 85 to 130 centimeters (33 to 51 inches), not counting the tail. Its eyesight is acute, though its senses of smell and hearing are weak. The hyaena opossum may dig its own dens, but it also establishes its lairs in caves, rock fissures, erosion channels and burrows formerly occupied by porcupines, bush dogs, peccaries and giant armadillos. Hyaena opossum dens can be identified by the presence of bones at their entrances. The hyaena opossum hides in caves, niches, pits, dense thickets, reeds and plume grass during the day to shelter from predators, heat or winter cold. The hyaena opossum is a primarily nocturnal animal, which typically only leaves its den at the onset of total darkness, returning before sunrise. Hyaena opossums typically live alone or in pairs, though groups of up to seven animals are known in Colombia and southern Florida. The hyaena opossum is monogamous, with the male establishing the den with the female, helping her raise and feed when joeys are born. The gestation period lasts 90–91 days. The conservation status of the hyaena opossum is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts and the hyaena opossum's wide range.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii