brushtail

The Australian brushtail possum isn't related to the North American opossum, a less-adorable marsupial with a ratlike tail, but many folks in the U.S. don't know the difference.

The Problem 2008

The fur comes from the brushtail possum, a marsupial native to Australia that has become a forest-destroying invasive species in New Zealand.

The Problem 2008

Australian common brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) are a significant problem nationally and cause most vegetation damage in the vulnerable coastal forest remnants.

Richmond temperate forests 2008

Response of selected tree species to culling of introduced Australian brushtail possums Trichosurus vulpecula at Waipoua Forest, Northland, New Zealand.

Northland temperate kauri forests 2008

A brushtail possum There's little doubt that New Zealand's 70 million nonnative possums, known to science as Trichosurus vulpecula, are chewing up endangered native flora and chomping on kiwi eggs to devastating effect.

The Problem 2008

The brushtail possum has a fur similar in quality to mink and colours range from silver to red brown to dark brown.

Boing Boing: April 18, 2004 - April 24, 2004 Archives 2004

Introduced into New Zealand about 150 years ago from Australia, the brushtail possum has multiplied now to over 70,000,000.

Boing Boing: April 18, 2004 - April 24, 2004 Archives 2004

Both bird life (including the Kiwi) and many unique types of trees are threatened with extinction because of the brushtail possum.

Boing Boing: April 18, 2004 - April 24, 2004 Archives 2004

They caught a lot of native animals, including 338 pademelons, 132 devils, 70 wallabies, 46 wombats, 13 spotted-tailed quolls, 9 brushtail possums, 2 echidnas, 2 crows, and a sea eagle.

The Song of The Dodo David Quammen 2004

The vocalization of the brushtail possum is a low, guttural chuff.

The Song of The Dodo David Quammen 2004