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Post by Silvercloud on Dec 23, 2007 11:17:45 GMT 7
Someone rang me and said they had a brush tailed possum that needed care so I went to pick it up. When I had a look at it I was quite surprised as it was no possum. It was a brush tailed phascogale which is a native carnivorous marsupial which is about the size of a rat. This one was smaller, probably just about ready to leave the nest. Unfortunately he was in deep shock when I picked him up and didn't survive the night. Here's a pic of him.
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Post by Jen on Dec 23, 2007 12:08:40 GMT 7
WOW, what a shame it didn't survive! I can't believe I have never actually seen one before. It is an amazing looking animal.
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Post by Helen on Dec 23, 2007 13:53:48 GMT 7
From memory around Donnybrook area is about the only place they are left now. I get them where I am but even most people who live around here haven't seen them.
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Post by silverfox on Dec 23, 2007 14:50:47 GMT 7
I love this site. I have (am) learning so much I cannot believe it . I have never heard of this little fella before today. I am sorry he was in to much shock to make it.
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Post by Silvercloud on Dec 23, 2007 15:10:43 GMT 7
These guys have to be in a pretty bad way before you can even get close to one. They're very rarely seen as they're nocturnal and spend quite a bit of time in trees. They'll make quick, brutal work of your chooks and they can get through most wire as they're pretty slender. If you're lucky enough to ever encounter one in the wild, keep your fingers out of the way as they'll latch on and draw serious blood. The males only last for about a year as they basically bonk themselves to death in their first breeding season. The females only live for around 3 years though they can have litters of up to 8. If there's anyone who remembers the yellow footed antechinus babies I tried to raise, well I've since found out they were probably phascogale bubs. Here's a link about them home.iprimus.com.au/readman/phas.htm
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Post by silkiechick on Dec 24, 2007 3:19:04 GMT 7
oh poor little fulla, he looks so cute! but sounds kinda nasty!
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Post by Matt on Dec 24, 2007 6:04:30 GMT 7
Such a shame he was in such shock, unfortunately they are often that bad like you said Jules before you can even see them. We have some phascogales in the noc house at work and the only way to see them properly is to trap them in an elliot trap, we cant even catch them in the exhibit, they are so fast and expert hiders! Don't ask about the time they found a hole in the exhibit, I have no idea how they managed to recollect them all! LOL.
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Post by Silvercloud on Dec 24, 2007 7:21:07 GMT 7
LMAO Matt, I hate to imagine.
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