Common opossum

The common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis), also called common possum, is a marsupial that is widely distributed in the Antilles and tropical America. In Martinique, it is part of the local fauna and lives mainly in wooded areas, gardens, forest edges and sometimes near homes. A nocturnal and solitary animal, it spends the day sheltered in cavities, hollow trees or dense areas of vegetation.

The species is classified as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN. Its great ability to adapt allows it to occupy varied environments, including those modified by humans. The common opossum plays an important ecological role by consuming numerous invertebrates and by participating in the natural cleaning of ecosystems, like other opportunistic species such as Small Indian Mongoose Or the Blue land crab.

Medium-sized, the common opossum measures between 35 and 55 cm, not including its long, bare and prehensile tail. Its coat is grey-brown, its snout is elongated and its rounded ears are often clear. This tail is used for balance when climbing, but also to transport materials or food over short distances.

Omnivorous, it feeds on fruits, insects, small vertebrates, eggs and sometimes carrion. This varied diet explains its presence in many environments, including areas near crops or orchards, as is also the case of South American Coati.

At the Martinique Zoo, the common opossum makes it possible to approach the diversity of nocturnal mammals and the specific adaptations of marsupials to tropical environments.

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