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Western ringtail possum, Pseudocheirus occidentalis
Threatened Species Day fact sheet
Department of the Environment and Water Resources, 2007
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Conservation status
Commonwealth: Vulnerable (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999)
Western Australia: Threatened (Wildlife Conservation Act 1950)
What does it look like?
The western ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus occidentalis) has a dark brown or grey coat and a strong, white-tipped tail, which helps it move through the forest and carry nest-building materials like leaves and twigs. Its body and tail are both 300–400 millimetres long and it weighs up to 1.1 kilograms. The western ringtail possum is very different from the brushtail possum, which is bigger with longer fur and a brush tail.
Contact
Martin Pritchard
Western Ringtail Action Group
(08) 9781 0111
martin.pritchard@water.wa.gov.au
Reference
Burbidge A.A, de Tores P. (1997). Western ringtail possum Interim Recovery Plan 1997-1999. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Perth Western Australia.
Jones, B. (1995). Western Ringtail Possum. In R. Strahan (Ed.) The Mammals of Australia. Australian Museum and Reed Books. Chatswood, NSW.