description Feather-tailed possum Overview
The feather-tailed possum, Distoechurus pennatus, is a small arboreal marsupial native to New Guinea. It is the only living species placed in the genus Distoechurus and belongs to the family Acrobatidae, alongside Australia's feathertail glider. Its common name refers to the conspicuous rows of long hairs along the sides of its tail, which give the tail a feather-like outline and help distinguish it from other small possums.
help Feather-tailed possum FAQ
Where does the feather-tailed possum live?
The feather-tailed possum is a small marsupial native to the island of New Guinea. It thrives in the local forest habitats as a member of the Acrobatidae family.
Who discovered the feather-tailed possum?
The feather-tailed possum was officially described by the German naturalist Wilhelm Peters in 1874. It is scientifically recognized as a unique New Guinean acrobatid.
What genus does the feather-tailed possum belong to?
The feather-tailed possum is the only living species classified within the genus Distoechurus. It is a distinct member of the Acrobatidae family found in New Guinea.
Are there other animals related to the feather-tailed possum?
As an acrobatid, it shares a family with other small gliding and leaping marsupials like the feathertail glider. However, the feather-tailed possum is uniquely the only living species in its specific genus, Distoechurus.
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