Key Takeaways
Brush tailed possum diet at a glance: Primarily nocturnal folivore-frugivore feeding on eucalyptus leaves, fruits, flowers, and occasional invertebrates; highly adaptable to seasonal and habitat changes, with urban populations exploiting garden plants and human food scraps.
What Is a Brush Tailed Possum
The brush tailed possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) is a medium-sized marsupial native to Australia and introduced populations in New Zealand. It inhabits forests, woodlands, and urban edges, showing notable dietary flexibility. Its digestive system and behaviour are adapted to process fibrous plant material while opportunistically exploiting seasonal fruits and human-associated resources. Understanding its feeding ecology clarifies how it survives across diverse environments and why it interacts with orchards, gardens, and native regeneration.
Native Diet in Natural Habitats
Core Plant Foods
In native habitats, the brush tailed possum selectively browses on eucalypts and other native trees, supplemented by fruits, flowers, and occasionally invertebrates. Leaves form a substantial portion of the diet, especially when fruits are scarce. Fibre-rich plant material is processed via hindgut fermentation, with microbes aiding breakdown of tannins and phenolics that deter generalist feeders.
Key Native Food Types
| Food Category | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves | Eucalyptus species | Major component when fruits are limited; high fibre |
| Fruits | Native figs, berries | Energy-rich; preferred when available |
| Flowers | Banksia, mistletoe | Seasonal, nutrient-dense rewards |
| Invertebrates | Insects, caterpillars | Supplementary protein source |
Urban and Suburban Feeding Behaviour
In urban and peri-urban areas, brush tailed possums increasingly rely on garden plants, orchard fruit, and food scraps. They can become habitual visitors to properties with accessible fruit trees, compost heaps, and unsecured pet food or rubbish. This dietary shift increases human–wildlife contact and can lead to conflicts, notably fruit tree damage and noise at night.
Seasonal and Annual Dietary Shifts
Diet composition varies with season and mast events (irregular, large seed/fruit crops). During spring and summer, invertebrates and young foliage support higher protein needs, while autumn and winter shifts toward leaves and stored fruits when resources decline. In some regions, abundance of preferred foods reduces reliance on less palatable species, whereas lean years increase browsing pressure on crops and amenity plants.
Interactions with Pets and Livestock
Poultry and Small Animals
Brush tailed possums occasionally prey on poultry eggs and small mammals and can carry parasites transmissible to pets and livestock. While they are not primary predators, their presence near coops and enclosures warrants preventive measures.
Pet Food and Compost Bins
Opportunistic foragers will exploit uncovered pet food and unsecured compost. Reducing access by feeding pets indoors at set times and using secure bins lowers nuisance encounters and potential disease transmission.
Health Considerations and Risks
Brush tailed possums can carry bacteria (e.g., Salmonella), parasites, and the bacterium responsible for bovine tuberculosis in some areas. Safe handling practices and limiting close contact reduce risk. Regular coop and pen security, alongside fruit netting, are proactive strategies to minimise negative interactions.
Coexisting with Brush Tailed Possums
Encouraging natural food sources, securing attractants, and protecting vulnerable trees and fruit aligns with coexistence. Non-lethal deterrents and habitat modification can reduce damage while preserving the possum’s role in seed dispersal and ecosystem function. Consistent, humane approaches support both biodiversity and property interests.