The Common Ring-tailed Possum,Pseudocheirus peregrines, is a tree dwelling possum, about the size of a cat. Their most distinctive feature is the white-tipped, curled tail, which is unlike the black bushy tail of a Brush-tailed Possum, and also unlike the straight fur-less tail of a rat. Common Ring-tailed Possums seen at Manna Park have had dark brown fur, with a white coloured belly. The upper fur can also be light brown or grey. <

The Common Ring-tailed Possum is often found in a family group, browsing on foliage of shrubs. They also eat flowers and fruits, and their own droppings which allows them process maximum nutrition from their foods.

They are nocturnal, and live in dreys during the daytime. These dreys appear as a large nest, usually a few meters above the ground in dense shrubs. The drey may also be constructed in a tree hollow or fork.

This painting illustrates a mother Ring-tailed Possum bringing Bloodwood flowers to a young in a tree hollow, while another family sits on a drey (T. Hastings 25/2/2009). Click on the thumbnail to download a higher resolution image.