Common brushtail possum
One of the most widespread of Australian tree-dwelling marsupials, the common brushtail possum is found across most of NSW in woodlands, rainforests and urban areas. With strong claws, a prehensile tail and opposable digits, these native Australian animals are well-adapted for life amongst the trees.
Read more about Common brushtail possum
The nocturnal common brushtail possum is the one you’re most likely to find nesting in your roof. Silver-grey with dark patches near the muzzle, these native Australian animals are found across most of NSW in woodlands, rainforest and urban areas.
With strong claws, opposable digits, and a bushy, prehensile tail, brushtail possums are agile climbers, which helps them to forage for fruits, flowers and leaves amongst the branches. They mark their territory with secretions from scent glands and may have a home range up to 7 hectares. With a vocal range that includes hissing, screeching and gutteral coughs, you’re most likely to hear a possum before seeing it.
Animal facts
- Common name
- Brushtail possum
- Scientific name
- Trichosurus vulpecula
- Conservation status in NSW
- Protected
Parks in which this animal is found
- Bents Basin State Conservation Area
- Blackheath area in Blue Mountains National Park
- Carrai National Park
- Cattai National Park
- Glenbrook area in Blue Mountains National Park
- Glenrock State Conservation Area
- Guula Ngurra National Park
- High Plains area in Kosciuszko National Park
- Horton Falls National Park
- Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve
- Kalyarr National Park
- Khancoban area in Kosciuszko National Park
- Killalea Regional Park
- Leacock Regional Park
- Lower Grose Valley area in Blue Mountains National Park
- Lower Snowy River area in Kosciuszko National Park
- Mount Jerusalem National Park
- Muogamarra Nature Reserve
- Murray Valley National Park
- Murray Valley Regional Park
- Rouse Hill Regional Park
- Thredbo-Perisher area in Kosciuszko National Park
- Tumut area in Kosciuszko National Park
- Whian Whian State Conservation Area
- Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve