The common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) is one of Australia’s most familiar nocturnal marsupials and one of the species best adapted to living alongside people. By day it shelters in tree hollows, rock crevices, roof spaces or wall cavities; after dusk it emerges to feed and travel using strong limbs, curved claws and a partly grasping tail. It is primarily a leaf- and flower-eater, but it is also an opportunistic feeder that will take fruit, nectar, fungi and small amounts of animal matter when available. Because it is widespread and adaptable, it is generally not considered threatened at a global level, although local impacts can still be significant.
Taxonomy and naming
This species belongs to Class Mammalia, Order Diprotodontia, Family Phalangeridae and Genus Trichosurus. The name “brushtail” refers to the thick, brush-like fur on the tail. “Possum” is an Australian common term for several arboreal marsupials; in some contexts this animal is also called a brushtail phalanger.
Physical characteristics
Common brushtail possums are medium-sized, stocky marsupials with a rounded head, relatively short muzzle and large, mostly naked ears. Adults typically have a head–body length of about 32–58 cm and a tail around 24–40 cm long. Body mass commonly falls around 1.5–4.5 kg, with males usually heavier. Coat colour is highly variable, ranging from grey and brown to black, with paler underparts. The tail is thickly furred at the base but often has a more sparsely furred or partly bare tip that improves grip when climbing.
Strong limbs, curved claws and semi-opposable digits help them grasp branches, fences and roof timbers. Their teeth are well suited to chewing leaves and fibrous plant material, reflecting a largely herbivorous diet that can shift with local food availability.
Distribution and habitat
The common brushtail possum is widespread across much of Australia. It occupies many forest and woodland types and is very common in urban and suburban areas where food and shelter are reliable. Tree hollows are the preferred refuge, but where hollows are scarce, possums readily use buildings, roof voids and nest boxes.
In cities, predictable food sources and reduced predator pressure can support relatively high densities. Competition for den sites can be intense, and the availability of secure shelter often limits local numbers.
Behaviour and lifestyle
Brushtail possums are mainly nocturnal, with peak activity after sunset. Many individuals show territorial behaviour, especially adult males, and communicate through scent marking, scratches and loud vocalisations. Night-time calls—growls, hisses and sharp clicks—are often linked to territorial disputes, mating activity or competition around food and den sites.
They are excellent climbers and often travel through the canopy, but they will also move on the ground when needed. In suburban areas, rooftops and fence lines can become efficient travel corridors. When alarmed, they typically retreat quickly into hollows, roof spaces or crevices rather than running long distances across open ground.
Diet
The diet is dominated by plant material: eucalyptus leaves, other foliage, shoots, flowers, nectar and fruit. Possums also eat fungi, seeds and bark and may occasionally take insects, eggs or other small animal matter when available. Diet choice varies with local plant species and seasonal quality, even though possums can tolerate some plant chemicals that deter many other mammals.
In urban areas, they may browse gardens, raid fruit trees or access unsecured pet food. Conflict is usually best reduced by limiting attractants and access rather than repeated chasing, which rarely provides a lasting solution.
Reproduction and life cycle
Breeding seasonality varies by region, with peaks often in spring and/or autumn. Females typically raise one joey at a time (twins are uncommon). The newborn develops in the pouch for around four to five months. After pouch emergence, the juvenile may ride on the mother’s back and continue using the den site, becoming independent at roughly seven to ten months.
Wild lifespan is commonly around 5–7 years, with some individuals reaching about 10 years. Longer lifespans are possible in captivity or very stable environments. Survival of young is closely linked to den availability, food quality and risks such as predation and vehicle traffic.
Relationship with humans
The common brushtail possum is a classic “urban wildlife” species. It can create nuisance issues by chewing garden plants, raiding fruit trees and making noise in roof spaces. At the same time, it is native wildlife with ecological roles in browsing, plant interactions and as prey for predators such as owls. Practical coexistence often depends on securing food, protecting vulnerable plants and providing alternative shelter such as nest boxes.
If possums occupy a roof, humane exclusion is usually the most effective approach: identify entry points, ensure no dependent young are present, then seal access and provide a nearby nest box as a replacement den site.
Conservation status and threats
Globally, the common brushtail possum is usually listed as Least Concern (LC) because it remains widespread and adaptable. Local pressures can still be important, especially where hollow-bearing trees are removed, where road networks increase vehicle strikes or where pets and introduced predators raise mortality. Disease can also affect local health and survival.
Management priorities often focus on habitat quality and coexistence: retaining hollow-bearing trees, providing nest boxes in urban greenspaces, reducing pet predation through responsible ownership and improving connectivity and road-safety measures in areas with frequent wildlife crossings.
