Short-tailed opossum

Short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica), also known as the Brazilian opossum or rainforest opossum, is a small nocturnal mammal native to South America, particularly found in Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and northern Argentina. This species is notable for its lack of a prehensile tail, a characteristic feature in many other opossum species. The short-tailed opossum belongs to the family Didelphidae, which encompasses a variety of New World opossums.

Description

The short-tailed opossum has a body length of approximately 12-18 cm (4.7-7.1 in) and a tail that is about 5-6 cm (2.0-2.4 in) long, which is significantly shorter than the tails of other opossum species. They have a fine, dense fur that is typically grey or brown, with a lighter-colored underbelly. Unlike many other marsupials, the short-tailed opossum does not have a pouch. They have sharp teeth and claws, which are adaptations for their omnivorous diet.

Behavior

Short-tailed opossums are solitary and nocturnal creatures. They spend the day in nests made of leaves and grass, coming out at night to hunt and forage. Their diet is varied and includes insects, fruits, small vertebrates, and eggs. They are known for their agility and are excellent climbers, although they spend most of their time on the ground.

Reproduction

The reproductive habits of the short-tailed opossum are unique among marsupials. Females do not have a pouch; instead, after a gestation period of about 14 days, the tiny, underdeveloped young cling to the nipples located on the mother's abdomen. The young are weaned after about two months and reach sexual maturity at around four to five months of age.

Habitat

Short-tailed opossums inhabit a range of environments from rainforests to dry shrublands. They are adaptable and can also be found in areas disturbed by human activity, such as gardens and agricultural lands. However, their preference is for dense, underbrush habitats where they can hide and forage for food.

Conservation

Currently, the short-tailed opossum is not considered to be at risk of extinction and is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, habitat destruction and fragmentation pose ongoing threats to their populations.

In Captivity

In recent years, the short-tailed opossum has gained popularity as an exotic pet. They are valued for their cleanliness, lack of odor, and relatively simple care requirements. When kept as pets, they require a diet that mimics their natural omnivorous feeding habits, as well as enrichment in the form of climbing structures and hiding places.

See Also

• Marsupial
• Didelphidae
• Nocturnal animal
• Exotic pet