The tail of a mountain pygmy possum is considerably longer than the body, measuring and average140mm, while the average head and body measures 110mm. Mountain pygmy possums have a dull grey/brown back and a cream colored underbelly. The cream fur is also present on the chin and cheeks. There is no fur on the light pink tail of the mountain pygmy possum. The feet have a similar coloration to the tail.
Mountain pygmy possums eat seed, insects, and fruit. The winter hibernation is broken to allow for periods of feeding.
During the breeding season males and females will live together. Females reach reproductive maturity in their first year, some males take up to two years to reach reproductive maturity. Mating occurs from November through December. A litter usually produces four young. Young leave the pouch at around three weeks even though their eyes don抰 open until the fifth week. When the young leave the pouch the mother builds them a nest of grass. Young are fully grown by about five months. There have been reports of wild mountain pygmy possums living for up to four years, in captivity they live for about 6 years.
And hey, they are marsupials!
[ Last edited by a.ceCCo at 16-7-2008 06:32 PM ] |