The word “possum” refers to two distinct groups of marsupials living on opposite sides of the globe, which is the source of much confusion regarding where these animals reside. These nocturnal creatures share a superficial resemblance and the characteristic pouch for raising their young, but they belong to separate biological orders and inhabit entirely different continents. The question of their location is complex because the name describes two separate evolutionary stories. To accurately determine where they live, it is necessary to first distinguish between the two families that share this common name.
The Global Divide Possums Versus Opossums
The fundamental distinction lies in the scientific classification of these animals, which immediately separates their geographic distribution. The species found exclusively in the Americas, spanning from North to South America, are correctly known as opossums and belong to the family Didelphidae. The most widely known species is the Virginia Opossum, which is the only marsupial found north of Mexico.
Conversely, the species referred to as possums are native only to Australia, New Guinea, and surrounding islands, belonging to the suborder Phalangeriformes. This group includes many different families, such as the Phalangeridae. The similar names arose because an early explorer in Australia noted the resemblance between the native marsupials and the American opossum, leading to the shortened name “possum” being applied to the Australian variety. This historical naming convention cemented the confusion between the two separate biological lineages.
North American Opossum Range and Habitat
The North American species, the Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana), is the most northern-ranging marsupial in the world, with a range extending from Central America up into southern Canada, such as Ontario. This wide distribution reflects the species’ adaptability, as it thrives in a multitude of environments. While historically common in forested areas, marshlands, and woodlands near a water source, its success is due to its ability to live among humans.
The opossum has successfully colonized urban and suburban areas across the continent, taking advantage of food waste and man-made shelter. Its northward expansion is restricted by cold temperatures, but the availability of warm shelter in human structures, such as under porches or in sheds, allows it to survive in regions it otherwise could not. The opossum’s habitat is generally defined more by the presence of resources than by a specific type of wilderness.
Australian Possum Diversity and Environment
Australia is home to a diverse array of possums, with the two most frequently encountered species being the Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) and the Common Ringtail Possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus).
The Common Brushtail is one of the most widely distributed marsupials across the continent, found throughout eastern, northern, and some southwestern regions, as well as Tasmania. This species is highly adaptable, inhabiting eucalyptus forests, tropical rainforests, semi-arid regions, and thriving in densely populated urban centers.
The Common Ringtail Possum has a slightly more focused range, primarily living along the east coast of Australia, in Tasmania, and in parts of the southwest. These possums prefer areas with dense foliage, such as eucalyptus forests, coastal shrubs, and suburban gardens, as they are specialized tree-dwellers. Their presence is closely tied to the availability of trees and dense vegetation for both food and shelter.
Specific Dwelling Habits
Regardless of their continent of origin, both American opossums and Australian possums rely on securing safe shelter during daylight hours. The American opossum is notably nomadic, meaning it does not build a permanent home and rarely stays in the same location for more than a few days. It utilizes a variety of temporary dens, including hollow logs, abandoned burrows dug by other animals, rock crevices, and brush piles.
Australian possums are similar in their reliance on existing structures. The Common Brushtail Possum prefers to sleep in tree hollows or in the dark, enclosed spaces of house roofs and sheds. The Common Ringtail Possum is unique in that it constructs its own communal nest, called a drey. This drey is a large, spherical structure woven from shredded bark, leaves, and twigs, usually high in the dense canopy. These shelters provide protection from predators and the weather while the animals rest during the day.