Pseudocheirus peregrinus

Common Ringtail Possum at Paddys River, ACT

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Identification history

	Pseudocheirus peregrinus	25 Feb 2021	DonFletcher
	Pseudocheirus peregrinus	25 Feb 2021	SWishart

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User's notes

Sorry a bit gruesome but at least you can't smell it. Fur and entrails scattered in close proximity to body; no head

5 comments

DonFletcher wrote:

25 Feb 2021

Thank you for the record SWishart. Its biology, we dont know gruesome. Ring tail possums have a localised patchy distribution, so records of this species are of quite some interest. However I'm feeling a little bit skeptical about your location, which maps as being on the ridge between Johns Peak and Camels Hump. If you dont mind, please can you confirm (or correct) the location?

MichaelMulvaney wrote:

25 Feb 2021

Don who do you think is the most likely predator?

DonFletcher wrote:

25 Feb 2021

I'm struggling with that question Michael. Eating the head and plucking fur are common to larger raptors, foxes and cats, And all are capable of separating the fore- and hind-quarters like this. Probably not a POWL, it would have flown off with the remainder of the carcass (unless it was frightened off suddenly). Maybe someone else can help.

SWishart wrote:

25 Feb 2021

Hi Don, I can confirm the location as I wandered up camel back firetrail yesterday and via the new marked track to Johns Peak (and onto Tidbinbilla Peak). The ringtail was on the footpad to Johns Peak past the old communication tower and a bit under 10 min on from where I saw the botany bay weevil (also posted).

DonFletcher wrote:

25 Feb 2021

Many thanks SWishart.

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