Possum

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AUSTRALIAN SAIJIKI

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Possum

***** Location: Australia
***** Season: Topic
***** Category: Animal

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Explanation

A possum (plural form: possums)
is any of about 70 small to medium-sized arboreal marsupial species native to Australia, New Guinea, and Sulawesi (and introduced to New Zealand and China).



Possums are quadrupedal diprotodont marsupials with long tails. The smallest possum, indeed the smallest diprotodont marsupial, is the Little Pygmy Possum with an adult head-body length of 70mm and a weight of 10g. The largest is the Bear Cuscus that may exceed 7 kg.

Possums are typically nocturnal and at least partially arboreal. The various species inhabit most vegetated habitats and several species have adjusted well to urban settings. Diets range from generalist
herbivores or omnivores (the Common Brushtail possum) to
specialist browsers of eucalyptus (Greater Glider),
insectivores (Mountain Pygmy Possum) and
nectar-feeders (Honey Possum).

The common brushtail possum was introduced to New Zealand by European settlers in an attempt to establish a fur industry. Its numbers in New Zealand have risen to the point where it is considered a pest.
©　More in the WIKIPEDIA !

fam. Diprodontia


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Worldwide use

Florida, USA

Opossums inhabit most of the eastern United States and can be found throughout Florida. Probably due to human activity, their range is expanding northward. They can exploit man-made structures for shelter and eat garbage and road kill.

Opossums use a variety of habitats: forests, grasslands, agricultural lands, and suburban areas. They are nocturnal (active at night), resting during daylight hours. Dens for daytime use include just about anything that provides shelter from the sun and poor weather. Opossums have been found in tree stumps, hollow logs, road culverts, attics, and even gopher tortoise burrows.
source : edis.ifas.ufl.edu




june downpour
a baby possum crosses
the broken yellow line

Laura Becker Sherman, 2013


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Things found on the way


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HAIKU

dawn moon –
the farmer checks
his possum traps

Headlines:
“Birdlife explosion as possum numbers slashed”
(Dominion Post)

Dick Whyte, Haiku News
January 15th, 2010

source : haikunews


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月無夜 街灯照らすポッサムの背
tsuki nashi yo gaitoo terasu possamu no se

moonless night
a street light illuminates
the possum's back

- Shared by Chie Chilli Umebayashi -
Joys of Japan, 2012



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Related words


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AUSTRALIAN SAIJIKI


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