These nocturnal mammals are widespread in Australia and a major pest in New Zealand. Body length about 500 mm, tail 380 mm, and weighing approximately 4 kg they are about the size of a cat. They have a pointy snout, a pink nose long, whiskers, prehensile bushy tail and sharp claws. The fur is usually black, grey or copper coloured. They live in gum trees, their nests usually hidden away in the forks of branches. They frequently nest in roof cavities in Brisbane homes. They eat introduced flowers and fruit. Their call is a low mechanical, throaty sound, and they mark their territory with scent.
Photo: Derek Boddington
