SHORT-TAILED SHREW

"
~
ORDER
Insectivora
FAMILY
Soricidae
CARD 301
GROUP 1: MAMMALS
GENUS &: SPECIES
Blarina brevicauda
The short-tailed shrew is a tiny but voracious predator that spends
nearly every hour of its life hunting for food. It attacks and eats
almost any creature it meets and may even resort to cannibalism.
KEY FACTS
- - - - - - - - - - ~ ~ - - - -
I; SIZES
Length: Head and body, 4-5 in.
Tail,1 in.
Weight: ~ - 1 Ol.
I;. BREEDING
Sexual maturity: Female, 6 weeks.
Male, 12 weeks.
Breeding season: Late winter to
September.
Gestation: 17 to 22 days.
Litter size: 3-10.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Solitary except in the mat-
ing season. Active day and night.
Diet: Insects, earthworms, snails,
small vertebrates, and mushrooms.
Lifespan: 2-3 years.
RELATED SPECIES
The only other species in the genus
Blarina is the swamp short-tailed
shrew, B. telmalestes. It is found in
the Dismal Swamp of Virginia and
North Carolina.
Range of the short-tailed shrew.
DISTRIBUTION
Found from southeastern Canada and the northeastern United
States to eastern Texas, Louisiana, and the southern tip of Florida.
CONSERVATION
The short-tailed shrew is abundant in woodlands of all kinds as
well as in wooded parks and suburbs. It appears to be in no dan-
ger at present.
FEATURES OF THE SHORT-TAILED SHREW
Coat: Fine and velvety,making it easier
for the shrew to scurry through the soil
and under leaves. Whiskers: Lortg, so that
the shrew can find prey
u.nder the leaves.
of most other North
American shrews.
MCMXCII IMP BV/ IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM
Feet: There are 5 toes on each.
This is the original , unadapted
n-umber of toes in mammals,
but some orders have evolved
fewer toes as an adaptation.
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The short-tailed shrew is a common woodland animal.
However, it is seldom seen because it hunts under the
debris on the forest floor. Often the only clue to this tiny
creature's presence is a rustling sound among the dead
leaves. At times it may poke its pointed snout out for a
quick look around before going on with its hunting.
~ HABITS
The short-tailed shrew is found
in woodlands and thickets in al-
most all of eastern North Amer-
ica. It does not, however, live in
the Dismal Swamp in Virginia
and North Carolina, where its
close relative the swamp short-
tailed shrew is found.
Like other shrews, the short-
tailed shrew has an extremely
high metabolic rate and digests
its food rapidly, so it must hunt
constantly to avoid starving. It
is a nervous animal that fights
and kills other shrews when it
encounters them. It may even
kill and devour its own young if
it is disturbed at its nest.
The short-tailed shrew spends
most of its time on the move,
searching for food. But it often
has a home base--a small nest
of shredded leaves and grass-
where it rests briefly between
meals. This resting place is gen-
erally smaller than the nest in
which it rears its young.
During most of the year, the
short-tailed shrew is a solitary
hunter, joining another shrew
only to mate. But in its primary
habitat this animal is surprising-
ly common. There may be up
to a dozen short-tailed shrews
living in one acre of woodland.
Below: The short-tailed shrew's
long whiskers help it locate prey
in the darkness under the leaves.
~ FOOD &: HUNTING
To satisfy its insatiable appetite,
a short-tailed shrew must hunt
nearly 24 hours a day, every day
of the year. It is constantly pok-
ing its way through dead leaves
on the forest floor, under logs,
in crevices in stone walls, and
in rodent burrows to find large
insects, snails, centipedes, earth-
worms, spiders, frogs, mice, and
even other shrews. It often sup-
plements this diet with vege-
table matter and is especially
fond of small mushrooms.
[;2l NATUREWATCH
The short-tailed shrew is secre-
tive, burrowing under the de-
bris on the forest floor, so it is
rarely noticed. But it is easy to
detect the rustling noises that
this tiny creature makes as it
forces its way through dead
leaves. If you quietly si t down
and wait long enough, you
may glimpse the shrew lifting
The short-tailed shrew's poi-
sonous saliva quickly subdues
animals its own size and is so
strong that it can cause painful
and long-lasting swelling in hu-
mans. A single bite is enough
to kill a one-ounce mouse. If it
is grappling with a large insect
or frog, a shrew may bite the
legs of its prey, perhaps to par-
alyze its victim with its saliva.
Below: The short-tailed shrew is
almost always hunting for prey
like this annual cicada.
its snout above the leaves be-
fore it dives out of sight again.
You are more likely to see a
dead shrew than a live one. Af-
ter a heavy rain, you may find
a drowned shrew. Or you may
discover a dead shrew on your
doorstep, since cats frequently
prey on shrews but bring them
home instead of eating them.
DID YOU KNOW?
The short-tailed shrew is so
high-strung that it has been
known to die of fright at the
sound of one thunderclap.
Except for birds such as owls,
the short-tailed shrew has few
natural enemies. Often a pred-
ator kills a shrew but does not
eat it-perhaps because of its
unpleasant odor.
People have known about
~ BREEDING
The short-tailed shrew begins
its breeding season in late win-
ter and usually has several litters
during spring and summer. Lit-
tle is known about this animal's
courtship and mating habits. In
captivity the shrews make click-
ing sounds during courtship. In
the wild, however, the mating
encounter is probably very brief
because the short-tailed shrew
is very territorial and fights any
intruder, even a potential mate.
After mating, the female pre-
pares a nest, often taking over
a mole's tunnel. She gives birth
the poisonous saliva of shrews
for centuries. In the 1600s one
writer described this animal's
bite as deep and deadly.
The word shrew comes from
an Old English word meaning
"the squeaker." This little ani-
mal does give squeaking calls,
but its cries are so high-pitched
that they are almost beyond
the range of human hearing.
to a litter of 3 to 10 young after
a gestation period of approxi-
mately three weeks. The young
are able to leave the nest when
they are 18 to 20 days old and
become fully independent sev-
eral days later.
The females reach sexual ma-
turity in six weeks. As a result,
those that are born early in the
season may have litters of their
own by midsummer.
Below: The short-tailed shrew is
active all year and even hunts for
food in the snow. It is relatively
safe from predators in winter.
CARD 302
AMERICAN RED SQUIRREL
'( GROUP 1: MAMMALS
... ORDER
~ Rodentia
FAMILY
Sciuridae
GENUS &: SPECIES
Tamiasciurus hudsonicus
The American red squirrel is the smallest of all the tree
squirrels found in the United States. This appealing rodent
inhabits all types of northern woodland.
KEY FACTS
----------------------
SIZES
Length: Head and body, 7-9 in.
Tail, 4-6 in .
Weight: 6-8 oz.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 1 year.
Mating season: February to
March; June to July.
Gestation: About 5 weeks.
No. of young: 2-7, usually 4-5.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Territorial , solitary, and ac-
tive by day.
Diet: Mainly pine seeds. Also other
vegetation, birds' eggs, fledglings,
and small mammals.
Li fespan: Up to 1 0 years.
RELATED SPECIES
There are approximately 267 spe-
cies of squirrel grouped in 49 gen-
era. The Douglas squirrel, Tamias
douglas ii, is closely related to the
American red squirrel.
Range of the American red squirrel.
DISTRIBUTION
Found throughout much of Alaska and Canada. Also lives in
the Rocky Mountain region of the western United States, the
Northeast, and the Appalachian Mountains south to Georgia.
CONSERVATION
The American red squirrel is abundant across its range, even
though it is hunted seasonally in Canada for its fur.
THE AMERICAN AND EUROPEAN RED SQUIRRELS
brown with
yellowish
flecks and
tinged with
black and yellow
hairs.
American
red
squirrel
brown upper-
parts and white
underside.
Ears: Sparsely covered
with short hairs.
MCMXCII IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILE'"
Eyes: Surrounded
by conspicuous
creamy white fur.
Ears: Covered with
long, tufted hairs.
Claws: Sharp, like those of the
American red squirrel, for ex-
cellent grip when climbing trees.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
European red
squirrel
Tail: Feather-
light and wispy.
Slightly bushier
than that of the
American red
squirrel.
Coat: Rust-
colored upper-
parts. Brighter
red than that of
the American
red squirrel.
0160200851 PACKET 85
The American red squirrel is a solita"" territorial animal
that uses a chattering call to proclaim the boundaries of
its home range. This tree squirrel makes its home in a wide
variety of woodland habitats. However, it especially likes
spruce woods because the trees yield highly nutritious
cones. As a result, this rodent has come to be known as
the spruce squirrel in some regions of North America.

The American red squirrel is at
home in any kind of woodland
and is common throughout its
range in North America. It con-
structs its drey (nest) from twigs,
leaves, and shredded bark. The
nest is set in a tree hollow or in
the fork of two branches, usual-
ly near the tree's trunk.
A tree squirrel, the American
red spends most of its time in
the branches. It is active mainly
during the day, especially just
after dawn and in the late after-
noon. Unlike some squirrels, it
does not hibernate. However, it
may remain in its nest for sever-
al days in very cold weather.
The squirrel's home range is
less than 650 feet in diameter.
Populations are concentrated in
areas with abundant food. If
food is scarce, the squirrel may
move to a new area.
FOOD & FEEDING
Like most squirrels, the Ameri-
can red has a large appetite and
a varied diet. It especially favors
pine seeds and frequently leaves
piles of cone remnants beneath
a favorite eating spot. This squir-
rel also feeds on nuts, all types
of buds, fruit, grain, bark, and
fungi, in addition to birds' eggs,
young fledglings, and occasion-
ally mice.
In fall, the squirrel prepares for
winter by gathering supplies of
food. It stores mushrooms in
hollow trees and buries green
Left: In winter the upperparts of
the American red squirrel's coat
are mainly gray.
Right: The American red can sniff
out a buried winter food store un-
der a foot of soil.
pinecones in damp soil, under
logs, or in hollow tree stumps.
The moisture keeps the cones
closed until the squirrel is ready
to dig them up and pick out the
seeds. A cache may have more
than 150 cones-a good supply
for winter, when food may be
scarce. In addition to digging
through soil to get at the cones,
a squirrel may burrow through
several feet of snow.
Right: Like all squirrels, the Amer-
ican red sits upright to eat, holding
food in its forepaws.
I DID YOU KNOW? --
The American red squirrel The American red squirrel is
consumes a species of mush- a very good swimmer. It will
room, Amanita, that is poi- often paddle across a river of
sonous to humans. its own accord, not just when
American red squirrels have being pursued.
five different calls. Four of the Ground squirrels run with
calls are associated with the one forefoot following the
animals' territorial behavior other, but the American red
and one, a shrill chirp, is an runs-or hops-by moving
alarm response to a threat. both forefeet together.

The American red squirrel gen-
erally mates between February
and March, but it may mate
again between June and July in
the southern parts of its range.
The female is fertile for only a
single day. Several males may
pursue a receptive female, but
only one mates with her. The
male and female then part.
Left: The young open their eyes
by three weeks old.
About five weeks after mat-
ing, the female bears two to
seven blind, hairless young in
her nest. Their eyes open in
two to three weeks, and their
fur grows quickly. The young
are weaned by eight weeks and
are independent at four and a
half months old. The mother
may then give up her territory
to her offspring, which are able
to breed the following year.
AMERICAN BADGER
ORDER
Carnivora
FAMILY
Mustetidae

GROUP 1: MAMMALS
GENUS & SPECIES
Taxidea taxus
The American badger is the only badger species that lives in
the Americas. Unlike its Eurasian counterpart, this species
is usually solitary and does not form a family group.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Head and body length: 1 ft.
Female smaller than male.
Tail length: 4-6 in.
Weight: 9-26 lb.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: Male, 1 year.
Female, 4-5 months but may not
mate until 1 year if food is scarce.
Mating: August to September.
Gestation: About 6 weeks.
No. of young: 1-5, usually 2.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Usually solitary.
Diet: Small mammals, inverte-
brates, birds' eggs and nestlings,
carrion, and scraps.
lifespan: Unknown in the wild.
Up to 20 years in captivity.
RELATED SPECIES
Relatives include the Eurasian bad-
ger, Metes metes, and the ferret
badgers of Southeast Asia.
Range of the American badger.
DISTRIBUTION
The American badger is found in plains, grassland, and wood-
land across western and central North America, from southwest
Canada south to Mexico.
CONSERVATION
Although local populations have declined during recent years,
the American badger seems to be stable across its range.
FEATURES OF THE AMERICAN BADGER
Head: Distinctive white
head stripe and b.lack and
white patches on the
face, throat, and chin.
Snout: Long and
pointed; used to
sniff out prey.
Body: Flat, wedge-shaped, and mus-
cular. Covered in gray or reddish
brown fur with coarse guard hairs;
buff-colored underparts. Short tail.
MCMXCII IMP BVI IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM PRINTED IN U.S.A
CLAWS FOR DIGGING
The animal has strong claws on
its forepaws that enable it to dig
very rapidly.
()lR()?()()R?l PAr.KFT R?
With its strong claws, the American badger is a powerful
burrowe" capable of digging faster than a person with a
shovel. This animal is also a cunning hunter with several
techniques for capturing prey. In addition to chasing small
mammals, it digs them out of their underground homes
and will even wait in a burrow for the occupant to return.
~ HABITS
The American badger is solitary
except during the breeding sea-
son, when it pairs up to mate.
Like other members of the wea-
sel family, this badger marks its
territory with strong-smelling
secretions from its anal glands.
These scent marks keep other
badgers away.
The American badger uses its
clawed feet to dig a deep under-
ground burrow, which is con-
cealed by undergrowth. When
it lives in areas near people, it
may dig its burrow in gardens
or vacant lots.
The American badger spends
most of the day resting in its bur-
row and emerges toward dusk
to hunt. In some places it scav-
enges garbage scraps to supple-
ment its diet. Although it is most
active at night, it may be seen
by day in quiet areas, especially
during good weather.
At high altitudes as well as in
the colder, northern parts of its
range, the American badger re-
mains in its burrow for much of
the winter, living off a layer of
body fat. Although its body pro-
cesses slow down, this winter
sleep is not a true hibernation,
and the animal may feed above
ground in mild weather.
Right: Young badgers remain with
their mother until they can hunt
their own prey.
DID YOU KNOW?
One American badger was
spotted trotting along a side-
I walk in broad daylight, a few
paces behind two joggers.
Shaving brushes and paint-
brushes are made with the
American badger's hair.
l Unlike the Eurasian badger,
~ FOOD &: HUNTING
The American badger is a flesh
eater. It uses its strong jaws and
teeth to crush prey. The animal
catches rabbits as well as other
small mammals and even digs
ground squirrels out of their bur-
rows. This badger also feeds on
invertebrates, birds' eggs and
nestlings, carrion (dead animal
flesh), and garbage scraps. It
stores surplus food in its burrow.
Left: The name badger may derive
from the animal's distinctive white,
badgelike stripe.
Right: The American badger often
eats snakes, unharmed by their
venom unless struck on the nose.
the American badger does I
not carry the disease bovine
tuberculosis.
An American badger is more
likely to be killed by a car than
by its natural predators, which
include the coyote as well as
the golden eagle.
~ BREEDING
The American badger mates in
August or September. The eggs
are fertilized inside the female,
but they are not implanted in
her womb until several months
later, usually in February. As a
result, the cubs are born when
food is plentiful, between April
and June. In colder regions they
Left: When
frightened by
an intruder, the
American bad-
ger snarls and
growls. How-
ever, it rarely
provokes an
attack, prefer-
ring to retreat.
may be born a little later, when
there is more food available.
Usually two young are born,
but a litter may contain up to
five cubs. The newborns are
blind and covered with silky
fur. The cubs open their eyes
in about six weeks, but they
stay with their mother for sev-
eral more months until fully
independent. Males are sexu-
ally mature after one year. Fe-
males reach maturity after four
or five months, but may not
mate until a year old if there is
a shortage of food.
Left: In areas where it does not
encounter people, the American
badger is active by day.
FLYING LEMUR
, , ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
~
ORDER FAMILY
Dermoptera Cynocepha/idae
GROUP 1: MAMMALS
GENUS & SPECIES
Cynocephalus volans, C. variegatus
In spite of their name, flying lemurs cannot actually fly and are not
true lemurs. These animals "parachute" expertly from the treetops
at night, feeding on large quantities of vegetation in the rainforest.
KEY FACTS
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~
SIZES
Body length: 13-17in. The
Malayan flying lemur is larger
than the Philippine species.
Tail length: 7-11 in.
Weight: 2-4 lb.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: Unknown.
Breeding season: January to
March.
No. of young: Usually 1.
Gestation: 2 months.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Night-active, tree-dwelling,
and solitary.
Diet: Leaves, flowers, and buds.
lifespan: Up to 20 years.
I ~ I RELATED SPECIES
<S7 The 2 species belong to an order
and a family of their own. They
were formerly classified as insecti-
vores, but recent studies suggest
they may be most closely related
to the primates.
Range of flying lemurs.
DISTRIBUTION
The Malayan flying lemur is found in rainforests throughout
much of Southeast Asia. The Philippine flying lemur is confined
to several islands of the Philippines.
CONSERVATION
Neither species is as rare as it was once thought to be. Howev-
er, widespread hunting and the clearing of tropical rainforests
do threaten the future of these animals.
r EATURES OF flYING LEMURS
Eyes: Large and round. Claws: Very strong,
for gripping the
trunks and
Keen eyesight enables
the animals to judge
the distance
between
trees at
night.
Coat: Grayish
with a red-brown
tint. The fur of
the Malayan f ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
species is slightly ' "
paler than that
of the Philippine
species, with more
gray, less brown,
and more white
speckles. The fur
provides good
camouflage when
the animal clings
to the trunk or a
branch of a tree.
MCMXCII IMP BV/ IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM PRINTED IN U.S.A.
branches
of trees.
Gliding: Master gliders, the 2 flying
lemur species are classified in their
own order, Dermoptera, meaning
"skin-wing." The name is derived
from the patagium, a membrane
that stretches like a broad web
connecting all the limbs and
measuring about 2 feet across
when fully stretched. The arms
and legs are of equal length and
the tail and neck are also linked
to the patagium, making it a
perfect shape for gliding
considerable distances.
0160200851 PACKET 85
Few animals move among the trees with greater ease
than flying lemurs, which have a remarkable ability to
glide distances of more than 300 feet at a time. Also known
as colugos, flying lemurs are solitary nighttime feeders,
with long, pointed snouts and large, protruding eyes. They
spend their days asleep, hanging upside down in the trees,
rather like the sloths of Central and South America.

Like other gliding mammals, a
flying lemur has a patagium, or
folding membrane, that spreads
like a parachute when the arms
and legs are extended. More de-
veloped than that of other glid-
ers, this patagium stretches over
the entire body, down the tail,
and between the fingers and
toes. This wide "wing" makes a
flying lemur an excellent glider
but hampers its ability to climb
trees. The animal is also slow
and awkward on the ground
and rarely leaves the branches.
Flying lemurs spend the day
sleeping, either nestling in a tree
hollow, hanging from a branch,
or pressed upright against a tree
trunk, clinging to the bark with
their strong, hooked claws. At
dusk, they climb to the treetops
and glide from tree to tree to
forage. They usually cover 165
to 230 feet at a time and follow
well-established routes to land
in precise spots. Territories are
actively guarded, and male fly-
ing lemurs are often aggressive
toward rivals.

The Philippine flying lemur is
confined to several Philippine
islands, while the Malayan fly-
ing lemur inhabits rainforests
throughout much of Southeast
Asia. The two animals are simi-
lar, but the Philippine species is
smaller and darker, with fewer
white spots on its back. Both
species are well camouflaged
against giant hardwoods by
their mottled gray coats.
Flying lemurs were once be-
lieved to be very rare, largely
because their whereabouts had
not been properly investigated.
Left: Flying lemurs are poor climb-
ers but can grip tree trunks well
with their claws.
DID YOU KNOW?
Flying lemurs obtain water
from tree hollows or by lick-
ing moisture from wet leaves.
Among the natural enemies
of flying lemurs are a number
of tree-climbing snake species
and the Philippine eagle.
Several other forest gliders
with similar membranes in-
clude the sugar glider, Sibe-
Filipino hunters, however, have
long been able to follow their
flight patterns and shoot them
at exact landing points.
Flying lemurs suffer greatly
from hunting, since their fur is
in demand for hats and their
meat is edible. Although they
are also persecuted by farmers
in some regions, large numbers
of these animals are found on
rubber plantations and other
cultivated land. They often fre-
quent coconut groves, since
they are fond of the coconut
palm's flower buds.
Right: Flying lemurs have special
trees for sleeping and other trees
for finding food.
rian flying squirrel, and scaly-
tailed flying squirrel.
The longest recorded glide
by a flying lemur spanned
450 feet.
Although they do not feed
on insects, flying lemurs were
once classified as insectivores.
The order Dermoptera was cre-
ated for them in 1872.
FOOD &: FEEDING
Flying lemurs begin foraging at
dusk, feeding on buds, leaves,
and flowers from a variety of
trees. The animal grasps a small
branch with its forepaws, then
plucks the leaves with its firm
tongue and lower incisor teeth.
Because leaves have little nutri-
tional value, a flying lemur must
eat them in large quantities. In

Little is known about how flying
lemurs breed, since they have
not been thoroughly studied in
the wild and are hard to keep in
captivity. Mating occurs from
January to March, and the ges-
tation period is two months. A
single, tiny young is then born
in an undeveloped state.
The mother carries her off-
spring around with her for sev-
eral weeks. While hanging up-
Left: The patagium is not only
used for gliding. It also serves as
a hammock to hold offspring.
order to accommodate these
large meals, the animal's diges-
tive tract is specially adapted for
sorting out and digesting the
greener leaves.
In captivity, flying lemurs have
survived on fruit. However, the
animals do not adapt readily to
this food since they never sam-
ple it in the wild.
side down, sleeping, or moving
along branches, she keeps her
offspring cradled in a protective
"hammock" that is formed by
the folds of the patagium. The
youngster is also suckled in this
warm, safe pocket, in much the
same manner as a marsupial in
a pouch.
The female sometimes con-
ceives again before her young is
fully weaned. However, the off-
spring learns to fend for itself
while traveling with its mother
and can soon survive alone.
HAIRY ARMADILLO
ORDER
Edentata
FAMILY
Oasypodidae
GROUP 1: MAMMALS
GENUS & SPECIES
Chaetophractus villosus
The hairy armadillo is a primitive, bizarre-looking creature of
the South American plains. An accomplished digger, it often
burrows under decaying animals to feed on
'\J KEY FACTS
I SIZES
<Si' Length: Head and body, 9-11 in.
Tail, 4 in.
Head shield: 2 in. long; 2 in. wide
near the ears.
Weight: lb.
BREEDING
Gestation: About 2 months.
No. of young: 2 per litter; up to
two litters a year.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Night-active; solitary.
Diet: Grubs and insects; also some
plant matter and carrion.
Call: A harsh snort.
Range of the hairy armadillo.
DISTRIBUTION
lifespan: Up to 19 years in captivity.
RELATED SPECIES
The hairy armadillo inhabits South American deserts and grass-
lands, as well as open woodlands from northern Paraguay to
central Argentina.
CONSERVATION
Close relatives include the Andean
hairy armadillo, Chaetophractus na
tioni, and the screaming hairy ar-
madillo, C. vellerosus.
The hairy armadillo is not regarded as an especially vulnerable
species. There are no conservation measures on record.
FEATURES OF THE HAIRY ARMADILLO
Head: An ar-
mored shield
on' top pro-
tects.the
I when
Carapace: Heavy armor over shoulders, back, flanks, and
rump, arranged in bands of horny plates. Besides being a
useful adaptation for burrowing, it protects the animal
from predators. The skin between the 8 central bands
allows flexibility.
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Hairs: Sparse
hairs on the
back project
from between
the plates. The
hairs are thick-
er and darker
at the rear and
on the limbs.
0160200881 PACKET 88
The hairy armadillo spends most of its life hidden away
in its simple underground home. When it emerges from
this burrow, it is well protected from predators by its
heavily armored body, which it can roll up into a ball.
If this defensive measure does not work, the hairy
armadillo may try to dig its way out of trouble.
~ HABITS
The hairy armadillo is active pri-
marily at night. It spends much
of the day in its burrow but may
venture out when hungry or dis-
turbed by a predator.
This armadillo avoids extreme
heat and conserves energy by
maintaining a low but variable
body temperature. During the
daytime it sleeps underground,
where its body temperature re-
mains more constant. When its
temperature drops too low, it
shivers to produce more heat.
If threatened by a predator
out in the open, the armadillo
rolls itself into a ball, so that
even a large cat has trouble
attacking it. It may also try to
defend itself by digging rapidly
with its squat legs and shovel-
like claws. It then anchors itself
in its burrow by spreading out
its feet and wedging its body
against the wall of the hole.
Right: Despite its heavy armor, the
hairy armadillo is poorly protected
on its underside.
~ BREEDING
Hairy armadillos mate at night,
sniffing each other for several
minutes before copulating. Af-
ter a gestation period of about
two months, the female bears
two young, usually one of each
sex. While other armadillos have
two teats, the female hairy ar-
madillo has four with which to
suckle her young.
The blind newborn has leath-
ery pinkish skin that is not hard
but displays the band and plate
divisions. The skin soon hard-
ens and develops the horny,
protective plates.
L.eft: The hairy armadillo occasion-
ally leaves its burrow to forage dur-
ing the day.
Right: Active primarily at night,
the hairy armadillo has extremely
good vision.
'olD YOU KNOW?
I
e The hairy armadillo's eyes
lack the cone-shaped cells in
the retina that are essential
for color vision, so the animal
sees only in black and white.
e On hard ground, the hairy
armadillo has trouble "dig-
ging in" to protect itself. It
therefore shields its vulnera-
ble belly by pulling in its legs
and pressing the edge of its
armor against the ground to
form a seal.
e Armadillos have a more vari-
able number of teeth than any
other mammal.
~ FOOD & FEEDING
Using its keen sense of smell,
the hairy armadillo sniffs out
grubs and insects from the
ground. It also eats soft plant
matter. It sometimes burrows
under the carcasses of large an-
imals to devour maggots and
may eat the dead flesh as well.
But with only simple, peglike
teeth and no incisors, the hairy
armadillo cannot chew.
Left: By the time its skin has hard-
ened, the young is ready to leave
the female's den.
JAGUARUNDI
ORDER
Carnivora
FAMILY
Felidae
_____ ----: GROUP 1: MAMMALS
... GENUS & SPECIES
Felis yagouaroundi
With its flattened head and unusually long body, the jaguarundi can
easily be mistaken for a large weasel. This cat elongated shape is a
great asset in the dense undergrowth of rainforest and scrub.
KEY FACTS

SIZES
Length: Body, ft. Tail, 1-2 ft.
Height: 14-16 in. at the shoulder .
Weight: 10-22 lb.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 2-3 years.
Mating season: Any time in the
tropics; around March and late
August elsewhere.
Gestation: months in the
wild; months in captivity.
No. of young: Usually 2-3.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Most active in the morning
and evening. Solitary or in pairs.
Diet: Small mammals, birds, frogs,
fish, lizards, and fruit.
lifespan: 10-18 years.
RELATED SPECIES
Other members of the genus Felis
that share the jaguarundi's range
are the ocelot, F. pardo lis, and the
mountain lion, F. concolor.
Range of the jaguarundi.
DISTRIBUTION
Lowland brush and forests in southern Texas, southeastern Ari-
zona, and from Mexico south to northern Argentina.
CONSERVATION
Little is known of the jaguarundi's status, but it is listed as en-
dangered in Nicaragua, Honduras, Panama, Costa Rica, EI Sal-
vador, Bolivia, and Brazil. International trade in the species is
banned under the CITES agreement.
FEATURES OF THE JAGUARUNDI
Body: Elongated and mus-
cular with short legs and
a long, thick tail. The ani-
mal is an agile climber
and an extremely
Head: Small and flattened
with small , low-set ears and
a broad, flat nose. Large
eyes give keen sight.
fast
MCMXCII IMP BV/ IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM PRINTED IN U.S.A.
Coloration: Fur can be light yel-
low, dark gray, or reddish brown
and may change with age. Coat is
short and dense with a grizzled
appearance.
Young: Coat has faint
spots and stripes at
birth that fade as
the young cat
matures. A litter
may contain young
of varying colors.
0160200821 PACKET 82
The jaguarundi avoids open country, preferring sheltered
places such as lowland brush or the dense foliage of
rainforests. Because of its secretive nature and elusive
habits, this cat is very difficult to study in the wild. As a
result, little is known about its numbers or way of life.
~ HABITS
The jaguarundi inhabits a range
that extends from the extreme
southern United States down
through most of South America.
This cat is a very good swimmer,
capable of crossing wide rivers,
and it always lives near water.
It makes its home in the dense
undergrowth in brush lands and
forests or in drier areas that are
dotted with prickly cacti as well
as mesquite plants.
Once a creature of the deep
forest, the jaguarundi is now
sometimes seen at the edges of
brushland and around clear-
ings. This may be because it is
tempted from the forest by the
pickings it finds near human set-
tlements. Or it may be that the
cat is easier to spot as more of
its forest habitat disappears.
The jaguarundi is most active
in the mornings and evenings.
It usually keeps moving, mostly
on the ground but also in the
trees when necessary. Like all
cats it is territorial, but its territo-
ry limits are looser than most.
Unlike most other cats, which
are fiercely solitary, the jagua-
rundi often lives and hunts in
pairs. It has an unusually com-
plex vocal range for communi-
cating with its mate.
Right: Its streamlined shape, speed,
and keen vision make the jaguarun-
di a formidable hunter.
~ FOOD & HUNTING
The jaguarundi spends most of
its waking hours hunting. Only
slightly larger than a domestic
cat, it preys on small mammals
such as opossums, guinea pigs,
mice, agoutis, and rabbits. It
also feeds on birds, fish, frogs,
lizards, and fruit.
A fast runner, the jaguarundi
sprints after its prey instead of
stalking slowly and ambushing
as most cats do. It may gallop
on its short but powerful legs
for about a mile to run its vic-
tim down.
With its low-set, streamlined
Left: The jaguarundi has a small,
flattened head, giving it a weasel-
like appearance.
body, the jaguarundi can fol -
low prey into dense thickets,
where a longer-legged preda-
tor would become entangled
in the undergrowth. This cat
can also pursue its victims in
the trees because its low center
of gravity gives it stability, mak-
ing it extremely agile among
the branches.
The jaguarundi usually avoids
contact with people, remaining
deep in the forest. However, the
animal has antagonized many
local villagers by taking their
domestic poultry.
Right: On a branch above a small
stream, the jaguarundi waits for
the right moment to catch a fish.
I DID YOU KNOW?
Jaguarundis were once kept
as house pets by local people,
probably to control mice.
Jaguarundi means "jaguar
of the water" in the language
of South American natives.
~ BREEDING
The jaguarundi mates twice a
year, at any time in the tropics
but usually in March and again
in August or September farther
north or south. Producing two
litters every year ensures that
enough offspring survive to re-
plenish adult numbers, especial-
ly since many of the young die
The jaguarundi's German
name means "weasel cat."
Because it feeds on small an-
imals, the jaguarundi must
catch prey up to 40 times a
day to fill its stomach.
when they are first on their own.
The female gives birth to two
or three young in a concealed
spot under a fallen tree or in a
thicket. Kittens from the same
litter may be different colors,
but they all have pale spots and
stripes, which fade as they grow.
The kittens are born blind but
open their eyes in six days. The
mother stays with them until
hunger drives her out to hunt.
She brings food to them in the
safety of their birthplace at first,
but she soon takes them out
with her.
Left: The young jaguarundi is an
easy target for predators such as
the jaguar.
MOUSE-EARED BAT
ORDER FAMILY
Chiroptera Vespertilionidae
GROUP 1: MAMMALS
GENUS & SPECIES
Myotis myotis
The mouse-eared bat is one of the largest bats in Europe.
Perhaps because it thrives in built-up areas, large populations
have been able to survive in several countries.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Head and body: 2-3 in.
Forearms: 2 - 2 ~ in.
Ears: About 1 in.
Wingspan: 14-18 in.
Weight: ~ - 1 ~ oz.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 1-2 years.
Mating: Fall and winter.
Gestation: 2 months.
No. of young: 1.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Active at night. Lives in
large colonies.
Diet: Insects.
Cal!: Shrill, chattering cries.
Lifespan: Up to 30 years.
RELATED SPECIES
There are 96 species of Myotis dis-
tributed worldwide. North Ameri-
can members of the genus include
the little brown bat, M. lucifugus;
Keen's bat, M. keeni; and the long-
eared bat, M. evotis.
Range of the mouse-eared bat.
DISTRIBUTION
Found in much of continental Europe and parts of the Near
East, including western Turkey and Palestine.
CONSERVATION
For reasons not clearly understood, the mouse-eared bat has
disappeared from the northern parts of its range, but healthy
populations can be found in central and eastern Europe.
FEATURES OF THE MOUSE-EARED BAT
Feet: Pass food
caught in the
wing membrane
to the mouth.
Wings: Large. Wide
wingspan helps the bat
envelop flying insects.
Tail: Long. Connected
to legs by a membrane.
Body: Gray-
brown fur on
the back and
head. White
underside.
MCMXCII IMP BV/ IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM PRINTED IN U.S. A.
Bare, pinkish face with small eyes
and simple nose. Wide, leathery
ears with rounded, fleshy projec-
tion known as the tragus.
0160200891 PACKET 89
The mouse-eared bat is often found in lightly wooded areas.
It roosts in large colonies in buildings, caves, and abandoned
mines. Like all bats, this species forages at night. Although
it occasionally searches for prey on the ground, it generally
hunts in the air, flying with s l o ~ labored beats of its wings.
~ HABITS
The mouse-eared bat hibernates
between October and April in
its winter roost, often in a cave
or a quarry. In summer, females
may establish a nursery in an at-
tic, an old railroad tunnel, or a
tree. Some mouse-eared bats
remain in the same quarters all
year. However, others migrate
up to 125 miles between their
summer and winter roosts.
The mouse-eared bat is a noc-
turnal creature. It sleeps during
the daylight hours, hanging by
its feet from a rafter or the wall
of a cave. Around dusk the ani-
mal leaves its sleeping quarters
to hunt for the insects on which
it feeds.
~ BREEDING
The mouse-eared bat mates in
fall and winter, but the eggs are
not fertilized inside the female's
body until the next spring.
During mating, the male bat
wraps the female in his wings.
He forces her to stay still by bit-
ing her neck and striking her
face. This treatment may con-
tinue for up to three hours after
mating, even if most of the col-
ony has left the roost to hunt.
The male may have a harem of
10 to 15 females, which he at-
tracts with strong-smelling se-
cretions from his facial glands.
Left: The mouse-eared bat hunts
by using its large ears to pick up
echoes from prey.
DID YOU KNOW?
The mouse-eared bat can
find its way home from a dis-
tance of over 165 miles.
This bat travels up to nine
miles from its roost to hunt.
This means it could fly over
Before giving birth, females
find a roosting place, like an at-
tic, that is warm during the day.
Each female bears one young
in June or July. The newborn is
naked, pink, and blind. It grips
its mother tightly, since it may
die if it falls to the ground. At
three weeks old, it is almost
fully grown and ready to fly.
The process of giving birth,
suckling, and tending her off-
spring is very strenuous for the
mother. To survive the winter,
she must gain a lot of weight
after her young is weaned.
Right: Females may leave their off-
spring in a nursery with other fe-
males while they hunt.
an area of 270 square miles
each night in search of food.
The mouse-eared bat's heart
is almost three times as big as
that of a mouse weighing the
same amount.
~ FOOD & HUNTING
The daily routine of the mouse-
eared bat is affected by light, so
it tends to hunt and to sleep at
regular times. It is not clear why
a colony starts moving at a cer-
tain point in the evening, but it
appears that "scout" bats give
the other bats a signal. These
scouts often roost in the inner-
most parts of the cave, but they
fly out ahead of the colony, as
if to test conditions. The scouts
return to the cave, and soon af-
terward the main cluster of bats
emerges. The individuals then
spread out to feed.
Left: The mouse-eared bat some-
times looks for insects among fallen
leaves on the woodland floor.
Left: After us-
ing echoloca-
tion to locate
an insect, the
mouse-eared
bat opens its
large wings to
envelop its prey.
When hunting for its insect
prey, the mouse-eared bat flies
above or through vegetation in
meadows, open woodlands, or
near towns. It does not use sight
or smell to find its prey. Instead,
like most insect-eating bats, it
uses ech%cation----mitting sig-
nals that humans are unable to
hear. These signals work like ra-
dar, bouncing back as an echo
when they hit an object.
The mouse-eared bat usually
feeds in the air, trapping prey
in its wings. It grips the victim
with its spurlike feet and then
transfers it to its mouth. Occa-
sionally, the bat hunts beetles
on the ground.
JAPANESE SEROW
... ORDER
~ Artiodactyla
FAMILY
Bovidae
GROUP 1: MAMMALS
GENUS & SPECIES
Capricornis crisp us
The Japanese serow is a solitary, aggressive goat-antelope
that inhabits the shrubby mountain slopes of Taiwan and Japan.
It uses its dagger like horns to defend its territory fiercely.
__ Sl_K_E_Y FACTS
li1
SIZES
Length: Head and body, 4 ~ ft. Tail,
up to ~ ft. Horns, ~ ft.
Height to shoulder: 3 ft.
Weight: About 110 lb.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: Female, 2 ~ years.
Male, 2 ~ - 3 years.
Mating: October to November.
Gestation: 7 months.
No. of young: 1, rarely 2.
LIFESTYLE
Habit: Solitary and aggressive. Ac-
tive morning and evening.
Diet: Leaves, shoots, and grass.
Call: Raucous, whistling alarm snort.
Lifespan: 10 years or even longer
in captivity.
RELATED SPECIES
Also in the genus Capricorn is is the
mainland serow, C. sumatrensis, of
which there are several subspecies.
Range of the Japanese serow.
DISTRIBUTION
The japanese serow is found in mountainous regions of japan
and Taiwan.
CONSERVATION
The japanese serow was declared endangered in 1934. Subse-
quent protection led to an increase in numbers, and the popu-
lation now stands at around 20,000. Culling (selective killing) is
permitted because the animals damage young tree plantations.
I FEATURES OF THE JAPANESE SEROW
I
Appearance: The Japanese serow Coat: Very thick and woolly, almost bristly
in texture. Grizzled blue-gray with is smaller and not nearly as finely
formed as the more widespread
mainland species. The sexes look
similar, but the male is slightly
larger than the female.
Horns: Short, slightly curved, and
angled backward from crown;
marked with narrow crosswise
ridges. Horns are very sharp
and used in attack.
Face: Small , with
broader forehead than
in other species. Dis-
tinctive "beard" extends
from the corners of the
mouth along the cheeks
to the ears. Shorter,
more rounded ears
than those of the main-
land species.
Senses: Keen senses of sight,
hearing, and smell.
MCMXCII IMP BV/ IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM PRINTED IN U.S.A.
darker underparts.
0160200861 PACKET 86
The goat-antelope first appeared on earth about 35 million
years ago. It is believed that in their skeletal structures, the
early forms of these species closely resembled the modern-
day Japanese serow. With a thick, woolly coat that protects
it from the cold, this animal is well adapted to its habitat.
~ HABITS
The mainland serow likes warm,
humid, and shrubby or wooded
mountainsides. In contrast, the
related japanese serow prefers
forested, snowy slopes in the
cold temperate zone of japan
and Taiwan.
This animal is usually solitary,
especially older males. But oc-
casionally pairs or small fami-
ly groups are seen. Like other
goat-antelope species, the ja-
panese serow lives in a fairly
small territory, which it marks
with secretions from scent
glands in front of its eyes. This
area supplies food and shelter,
so the animal defends it from all
intruders, even other serows.
Within its territory, the japa-
nese serow establishes regular
paths along which it has distinct
places for resting, defecating,
and scent-marking. If disturbed
in the undergrowth it snorts an
angry, whistling alarm call. Un-
like many mountain goats, its
gait is slow and almost clumsy,
but it is sure-footed over steep,
rocky mountainsides.
~ BREEDING
Little is known about how the
japanese serow breeds. But it is
known that females are sexually
mature at two and a half years,
up to six months before males.
Mating seems to occur in Octo-
ber and November. Competing
males fight bloodily with their
sharp horns, and the victor kicks
a subdued rival with his forefeet
before mating with the female.
After a seven-month gestation,
the female bears one kid, which
suckles for about six months. It
is not known when the young
serow becomes independent.
Left: Sightings of the Japanese se-
row are usually of a lone adult or a
mother with her kid.
Right: Born on mountain slopes in
spring, the kid fights the cold with
a long, thick coat.
DID YOU KNOW?
Some experts believe the
North American mountain
goat may be a serow that
evolved in a glacial region.
The related mainland se-
row shares its range with
the rare giant panda.
~ FOOD & FEEDING
The japanese serow feeds main-
ly in the morning and late into
the evening, usually deep in a
thicket. At midday it moves to
its favorite resting place, usually
under a rocky outcrop, and rests
for a few hours. Although it eats
grass, its small, low-crowned
teeth are ideal for browsing,
and it constantly nibbles on
leaves and young shoots.
Left: The Japanese serow scent-
marks its territory with secretions
from its facial glands.
HARTEBEEST
ORDER
Artiodactyla
FAMILY
Bovidae
CARD 309
GROUP 1: MAMMALS
GENUS &: SPECIES
Alcelaphus buselaphus
With its long, horselike head, twisted horns, high shoulders,
and sloping back, the hartebeest is one of the most
distinctive species of antelope in Africa.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Length: 5-8 ft.
Height to shoulder: 4-5 ft.
Weight: 220-500 lb.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: Female, 2-3
years. Male, 1-3 years.
Mating season: Varies, depending
on location.
Gestation: 7-8 months.
No. of young: 1.
LI FESTYLE
Habit: Generally active by day.
Solitary or in small herds.
Diet: Grasses, herbs, and foliage.
lifespan: 11-20 years.
RElATED SPECIES
The 11 subspecies of Alcelaphus
buselaphus include Swayne's, Jack-
son's, and Coke's hartebeest (also
called the kongoni). Lichtenstein's
hartebeest, A. lichtensteini, is a
close relative found in eastern
and southern Africa.
Range of the hartebeest.
DISTRIBUTION
Inhabits savannas of sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal east to
Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia. Also occurs in Zimbabwe, Bo-
tswana, and South Africa to the south.
CONSERVATION
Due to hunting and habitat loss, the hartebeest is declining
over most of its range, and two subspecies are endangered.
Conservation programs exist in some countries.
FEATURES OF THE HARTEBEEST
Horns: Present on both sexes. Each
up to 28 inches long, extending up
and then backward in a tight S-bend.
Heavily ridged and sharply pointed.
Male uses them in threat displays and
fights with rivals.
Coat: Sleek and short-haired. Color
varies with the subspecies, from buff-
yellow to rich rusty brown. Some
subspecies have dark facial and
limb markings.
MCMXCII IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILETM PRINTED IN U.S.A.
Head: Long, narrow, and
horselike, with scent glands
near the eyes. The hartebeest
has excellent senses of smell ,
sight, and hearing, which keep
it alert to predatory big cats
and jackals on the savanna.
0160200851 PACKET 85
The hartebeest lives on the open plains of sub-Saharan
Africa, where its excellent senses of sight hearing, and smell
are vital to its survival. This extremely athletic antelope is a
challenging quarry, even for human hunters. Nevertheless,
the hartebeest population has suffered a drastic decline over
most of its range as a result of hunting and habitat loss.
~ H A B I T S
The 11 hartebeest subspecies
range over African savanna. The
hartebeest is usually seen alone
or in herds of up to 20 mem-
bers. Occasionally, over 300 in-
dividuals will gather at a good
feeding site, often with zebras,
wildebeests, or roan antelope.
When fleeing enemies, a herd
runs in single file at speeds of
almost 40 miles per hour.
The male hartebeest occupies
a territory for all or part of the
year. If food and water are plen-
tiful, he rarely leaves his territory.
The female roams more widely,
sometimes crossing the territo-
ries of 20 to 30 males. Traveling
with her are several generations
of young, sometimes including
a male up to three years old. A
male of this age will eventually
be driven off by an older male
who will not tolerate any other
males crossing his territory. The
expelled male may then join a
bachelor herd until he is able to
establish his own territory.
~ FOOD &: FEEDING
The hartebeest feeds on some
shrubs and herbs, but up to 95
percent of its diet is grass. It can
digest the long, coarse grasses
that some antelope avoid.
The hartebeest feeds mainly in
the morning and late afternoon,
resting in the shade during the
midday heat. Although the herd
members do not lie in compact,
Left: While the herd feeds, a guard
watches from a small hill for leop-
ards and lions.
DID YOU KNOW?
Groups of 10,000 red harte-
beests have been seen near
the salt pans of Botswana.
A wounded hartebeest pur-
sued by hunting dogs some-
times runs more than a mile
in a vain attempt to escape.
A young hartebeest may be
safe groups like some antelope,
one adult usually keeps watch
for predatory big cats.
Most hartebeests visit water
regularly, but a territorial male
may go without drinking for sev-
eral days. In Ethiopia some herds
of Swayne's hartebeest do not
drink at all, getting the water
they need from vegetation.
Right: The red hartebeest is being
reintroduced into 50uth Africa as
well as Zimbabwe.
Left: Like the
red hartebeest,
the kongoni is
still numerous.
But other sub-
species are rare
and one, the
bub aI, is now
extinct.
unable to keep pace with its
herd when fleeing a predator.
At such times it will simply fall
down flat and lie stili, hoping
to escape detection.
The ancient Egyptians may
have domesticated the harte-
beest for its meat.
~ BREEDING
The hartebeest breeds at differ-
ent times of the year, depend-
ing on its location. If a receptive
female enters a male's territory,
he becomes very interested, fol-
lowing her and even threaten-
ing her with his horns if she tries
to leave. If courtship is success-
ful, the pair may mate several
times before separating.
Seven to eight months after
Left: The hartebeest calf stays with
its mother for several years, pro-
tected from predators.
Left: Young
bulls maintain
a hierarchy
within their
bachelor herd
by fighting.
Those that
wrestle their
way into the
ruling class
may then hold
a territory.
mating, the female is ready to
give birth. She leaves the herd
to find a safe spot in bushes or
long grass. The newborn can
stand and drink milk almost im-
mediately, but it lies low under
cover for two weeks while its
mother grazes. It gets up only
when she returns to feed it. The
calf later joins the herd and in
about four months stops suck-
ling. In two years its horns are
fully developed, and it reaches
full size in about four years.
COMMON RINGTAIL POSSUM
ORDER
Marsupialia
FAMILY
Petauridae
GROUP 1: MAMMALS
GENUS &: SPECIES
Pseudocheirus peregrinus
The common ringtail possum is a quiet and shy marsupial. With
a gripping tail that acts much like a fifth limb, this animal is
an expert climber and spends most of its time in the trees.
KEY FACTS
SIZES
Lengt h: Body, 12-14 in. Tail , up
to 14 in.
Weight: Average, 3 lb.
BREEDING
Sexual maturity: 1-2 years.
Breeding season: From May to
November.
Gestation: Unknown.
No. of young: 1-3, usually 2.
Weani ng: 6-7 months.
LIFESTYLE
Habit : Night-active, tree-dwell ing,
solitary, and secretive.
Diet: Mainly eucalyptus leaves;
also some flowers, buds, and fruit.
Call : Usually silent, but an occa-
sional soft twittering.
Lifespan: Up to 6 years.
RELATED SPECIES
The family Petauridae contains 22
species, all of which are found in
Aust ralia, New Guinea, or on near-
by islands.
Range of the common ringtail possum.
DISTRIBUTION
The common ringtai l possum is found across a wide range in
northern, eastern, and southeast ern coastal regions of Aus-
tralia. It also lives in Tasmania.
CONSERVATION
This species is relatively common over its range, but it has de-
clined significantly in parts of Victoria and is now absent from
Western Australia, where it was once found.
FEATURES OF THE COMMON RINGTAIL POSSUM
Eyes: Large and protruding,
giving good night visio
Feet: Adapted for life in trees.
Sales are naked, and two toes
on each foot are opposable to the
other three to give a sure grip.
@ MCMXCII IMP BV/IMP INC WILDLIFE FACT FILE'" PRINTED IN U.S.A.
Coat: Dense, soft, woolly fur is shorter than that
of many species. The color varies but is usually
grayish brown on the back with paler underparts.
Tail: Long,
muscular, and
tapering. The end
third is white and
usually curled. The
underside is naked
to improve grip.
0160200861 PACKET 86
The common ring tail possum is well named because it is the
most numerous of the 15 species of ring tail possum that live
in Australasia. It is not, however, as common as it used to be.
Earlier in this century, its numbers declined as a result of
excessive hunting for its warm and luxuriant fur. Like the
other species of ring tail possum, this animal possesses
a strong gripping tail that ends in a ringlike curl.
~ HABITS
The common ringtail possum
spends most of its time hidden
in dense foliage. Its wooded
habitats range from scrubby
brush land areas and eucalyptus
woods to pine plantations and
rainforests. It is also found in
suburban woodland and scrub,
but it is so quiet and secretive
that it is seldom seen.
The common ringtail possum
sleeps during the day with its
head curled between its hind
feet and hidden under its body.
It sleeps in a big, dome-shaped
nest, or drey, that is made of
leaves, grasses, bark, and twigs
and set in the fork of a densely
branched tree. The drey is big
enough to accommodate a
nesting pair, and they usually
build it together, carrying the
construction materials in their
prehensile (gripping) tails.
Although agile and graceful,
the common ringtail possum
moves slowly in the branches.
While climbing, it cl ings with
its tail, rarely letting go until it
has another branch grasped
firmly in its hands. On its rare
trips over the ground, the ani -
mal moves with a characteristic
waddling motion.
~ FOOD & FEEDING
The common ringtail possum
feeds mainly at the lower levels
of the forest canopy, foraging
over about a tenth of a square
mile. Such an area typically con-
tains one male and sometimes
one or two females.
This possum eats mainly euca-
lyptus leaves but will also feed
on blossoms, buds, and fruit. It
eats pine needles and pollen in
pine plantations and shrubs in
suburban locations.
The animal does most of its
Left: The common ringtail's bulg-
ing eyes are typicol of many night-
active tree dwellers.
foraging between dusk and mid-
night. The possum gathers food
and carries it to its mouth with
its dexterous hands. It has large,
strong molars for chewing and
grinding leaves to a digestible
pulp. Like many leaf eaters, it
has an enlarged gut that can
process the high cellulose con-
tent of its fibrous diet. The pos-
sum partially digests food with
the aid of bacterial secretions,
then excretes it and eats it again
before digestion is completed.
Right: The common ring tail pos-
sum rarely leaves the protective for-
est canopy.
Left: The com-
mon ring tail
possum's tail
can grow as
long as its body.
Muscular and
partially naked,
it gives the ani-
mal a very good
grip on smooth
bark. When the
tail is not in use,
the tip curls up
into rings.
DID YOU KNOW?
One of the quietest mem-
bers of the family Petauridae,
the common ringtail possum
makes occasional soft, twitter-
ing calls. In contrast, many of
its relatives frequently scream
and screech.
Australian possums are occa-
sionally incorrectly called opos-
sums, a name that refers only
~ BREEDING
Male and female common ring-
tail possums come together an-
nually to breed, and the mating
season starts in May. During the
summer or fall, the female gives
birth to one to three offspring,
usually two.
Like most marsupial young,
the offspring are poorly devel-
oped when born, weighing just
a fraction of an ounce. They im-
mediately crawl into their moth-
er's forward-facing pouch, and
each latches onto a nipple. The
Left: Young possums rely on their
mother for protection for several
weeks after leaving her pouch.
to the marsupials of the family
Didelphidae, which are found
in the Americas.
Between 1923 and 1955,
7.5 million common ringtail
possum skins were exported
from Tasmania.
Many possums are electro-
cuted as a result of gripping
power lines with their tails.
young remain in the pouch and
suckle from their mother for up
to four months.
Unlike young kangaroos and
wallabies, which return to the
pouch from time to time, the
young possum leaves for good,
but usually stays near its mother
for another month or two. By
then it is fully developed and
looks like a small version of its
parents. When it emerges from
the pouch, however, the young-
ster is at its most vulnerable. The
change in its diet from milk to
leaves and fruit is very difficult.
Many fail to adapt and die.