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Grey short-tailed opossum [Monodelphis domestica]
The grey short-tailed opossum [Monodelphis domestica] is a small South American member of the Didelphidae family of opossums. Unlike most other marsupials, the grey short-tailed opossum does not have a true pouch.
The scientific name Monodelphis is derived from Greek and means “single womb” [referring to the lack of a pouch] and the Latin word domestica which means “domestic” [chosen because of the species habit of entering human dwellings]. It was the first marsupial to have its genome sequenced.
The grey short-tailed opossum is used as a research model in science, and is also frequently found in the exotic pet trade. It is also known as the Brazilian opossum, rainforest opossum and in a research setting, the laboratory opossum.
Grey short-tailed opossums are relatively small animals, with a superficial resemblance to voles. In the wild they have head-body length of 12 to 18 cm [4.7 to 7.1 in] and weigh 58 to 95 grams [2.0 to 3.4 oz]; males are larger than females. However, individuals kept in captivity are typically much larger, with males weighing up to 150 grams [5.3 oz].
As the common name implies, the tail is proportionately shorter than in some other opossum species, ranging from 5 to 9 centimetres [2.0 to 3.5 in]. Their tails are only semi-prehensile, unlike the fully prehensile tail characteristic of the North American opossum.
The fur is greyish-brown over almost the entire body, although fading to a paler shade on the underparts, and with near-white fur on the feet. Only the base of the tail has fur, the remainder being almost entirely hairless. The claws are well-developed and curved in shape, and the paws have small pads marked with fine dermal ridges. Unlike many other marsupials, females do not have a pouch. They typically possess thirteen teats, which can be retracted into the body by muscles at their base.
The grey short-tailed opossum is found generally south of the Amazon River, in southern, central, and western Brazil. It is also found in eastern Bolivia, northern Paraguay, and in Formosa Province in northern Argentina. It inhabits rainforest environments, scrubland, and agricultural land, and often enters man-made structures, such as houses. There are no recognised subspecies.
Grey short-tailed opossum
Grey short-tailed opossums eat rodents, frogs, reptiles, and invertebrates, as well as some fruit. They hunt primarily by scent, poking their snout into vegetation in search of prey or dead animals to scavenge. Once they find living prey, they pounce onto it, holding it down with their forefeet while delivering a killing strike, often to the base of the neck, with their sharp teeth. They can successfully take prey up to their own size.
They are nocturnal, being most active in the first three hours after dusk. Although they may occasionally shelter in natural crevices in the rock, they normally spend the day in concealed nests constructed of leaves, bark, and other available materials.
The nests of females are more complex and tightly woven than those of males. They are solitary, coming together only to mate, and with each individual occupying a home range of 1,200 to 1,800 m2 [13,000 to 19,000 sq ft], flagged with scent marks. The approach of another member of the species is commonly met with hissing and screeching, which may escalate to defensive strikes launched while the animal is standing on its hind legs.
The opossums breed year round, when the climate is suitable, being able to raise up to six litters of six to eleven young each during a good year. Females only come into oestrus when exposed to male pheromones, with ovulation being induced only by physical contact with the male. Gestation lasts fourteen days, after which the young attach to a teat, where they remain for the next two weeks. Like all marsupials, the young are born undeveloped; in this species they are just 1 centimetre [0.39 in] in length and weigh 0.1 grams [0.0035 oz] at birth. The young grow hair at around three weeks, open their eyes about a week later, and are weaned at eight weeks
Grey short-tailed opossums are sexually mature at five to six months of age, and live for up to forty-nine months in captivity. [Source: Wikipedia]
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