Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat

Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.

Common Ringtail Possum

Scientific name: Pseudocheirus peregrinus


Common Ringtail Possum

IUCN Status: Least Concern

Family: PSEUDOCHEIRIDAE

Group: Mammals

Shyness: Suspicious

Safe distance: 10 m

Breeding season / Courtship: 01.03-31.05

Gestation: 17–19 jours

Births: 120–150 jours


Habitat:
eucalyptus forests, rainforests, wooded areas

Description:
The Common Ringtail Possum, or Pseudocheirus peregrinus, is an arboreal marsupial native to Australia. It is easily recognizable by its prehensile tail, which it uses to navigate through trees. This small nocturnal mammal measures about 30 to 35 cm in length, with a similarly sized tail. Its fur is generally gray with brownish tones, and it has a distinctive white stripe on its belly. It primarily inhabits eucalyptus forests, feeding on leaves, flowers, and fruits. The Common Ringtail Possum is a social animal, often living in small family groups in nests called "dreys".

Recommended lens:
>=400mm

Photography tips:
To photograph the Common Ringtail Possum, it is advisable to use a telephoto lens of at least 400mm to capture detailed images from a distance without disturbing the animal. Look for areas where eucalyptus trees are dense, as these possums are often active there at night. Use a tripod to stabilize your camera in low-light conditions. Be patient and watchful for movements in the trees. Twilight or dawn light can offer interesting opportunities to capture unique shots.

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