Short-eared possum

The short-eared possum, Trichosurus caninus, is a marsupial in the family Phalangeridae that is endemic to Australia. It is found north of Sydney, New South Wales, on the eastern coast of the continent, and is most common along the southeastern coast, where it lives in wet rainforests and humid, dense thickets. The species was once classed under the mountain brushtail possum, which is its closest relative; a 2002 proposal split the two on morphometric differences, leaving the northern form with the name Trichosurus caninus. In the wild short-eared possums can live for up to 17 years, possibly longer in captivity, keep a stable territory, and put a great deal of energy and time into raising their young.