Page "Common brushtail possum" Paragraph 7

The common brushtail possum is perhaps most widespread mammal of Australia.

It is found throughout the eastern and northern parts of the continent, as well as some western regions, Tasmania and a number of offshore islands, such as Kangaroo Island and Barrow Island.

It is also widespread in New Zealand since its introduction in 1840.

The common brushtail possum can be found in a variety of habitats, such as forests, semiarid areas and even cultivated or urban areas.

It is mostly a forest inhabiting species, however it is also found in treeless areas.

In New Zealand, possums favour broadleaf-podocarp near farmland pastures.

In southern beech forests and pine plantations, possums are less common.

Overall, brushtail possums are more densely populated in New Zealand than in their native Australia.

This may be because Australia has more fragmented eucalypt forests and more predators.

In Australia, brushtail possums are threatened by humans, tiger quolls, foxes, cats, goannas, carpet snakes and certain owls.

In New Zealand, brushtail possums are threatened only by humans and cats.