General Overview of Tasmania
Aboriginal Culture
Animals and Plants
Conventions
Equal Access
Employment for Travellers
Facts and Figures
Frequently Asked Questions
Gay and Lesbian Visitors
Moving to Tasmania
Our Islands
Reading Up
Studying in Tasmania
Travel Business/Investing
The appropriately named little pygmy possum reaches a mere seven grams (0.24 ounces) and has a head and body length of only 5 to 6.5 centimetres (two to 2.5 inches). It is the smallest of all possums.
The little pygmy possum was once thought to be confined to Tasmania. However, populations have been found on South Australia's Kangaroo Island and the mallee scrublands of north-western Victoria.
They live in a range of habitats except rainforest, and spend much of their time in the lower, dense canopies of the understorey. They are most common in drier forests and heathlands in the east of the Island. The animal generally nests in the hollows of old trees.
The little pygmy possum feeds on insects and lizards.
Females give birth to up to four young, which stay within the pouch for about six weeks. After this time, the young are left in the nest, occasionally travelling with their mother by clinging onto her fur as she forages.
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