Petropseudes dahli
rock ringtail possum

Rock ringtail possums are found in rocky terrain, usually sandstone outcroppings, in a small portion of northern Australia. The species has a wide distribution in northern Australia. Most commonly the species is found in the Northern Territory, Kimberley, Katherine, and Queensland. (Collett, 1995; Keast, 1968; Martin, 2002; Runice, 2000a; Runice, 2000b)

Rock ringtail possums live in rocky, sandstone outcrops where they are sheltered during the day. At night they move out of their sheltered rock crevices to feed in the trees within the area, often traveling no further than 10 meters from their dens. These rocky areas usually are surrounded by flatter, lowland areas. The rocky encampments have increased water holding potential and are sometimes flooded in areas. (Collett, 1995; Martin, 2002; Runice, 2000a; Runice, 2000b)

Rock ringtail possums are small, stocky possums, similar in size to a small rabbit. The pelage is grey to reddish-grey on the back and a lighter, cream color on the underside. There is a dark stripe down the middle of their backs. The coat is long and thick. The tail is unique in that it is furred only half-way down, it lacks scales on the unfurred portion of the tail, unlike some of their close relatives. Rock ringtail possums have small, rounded ears. They have white hair in patches both above and below the eyes and underneath the ears. Rock ringtail possums live in rocky areas and have developed many adaptations to a more terrestrial lifestyle than many of their relatives. They have shorter legs, claws, and tails. As in other possums, the tail is prehensile. (Collett, 1995; Martin, 2002; Runice, 2000b)

There is no information on longevity of rock ringtail possums. A closely related species, Leadbeater's possums (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri), live more than 10 years in captivity. In the wild this same species has a maximum longevity of 5 years. (McKay, 1989)

Rock ringtail possums are social, living in tight knit family groups. These groups are usually made up of about 4 individuals, although group sizes of two 2 to 10 individuals are reported. They spend the majority of their days sheltered within rock piles or crevices between the rocks of the sandstone outcrops they call home. After dark these animals move from their rocky habitats into the trees nearby, where they feed. Rock ringtail possums are secretive and avoid contact and confrontation. They are primarily terrestrial, moving into the trees only to feed. This distinguishes them from their close, mostly arboreal relatives. (Collett, 1995; Martin, 2002; McKay, 1989; Runice, 2000a; Runice, 2000b)

Home Range

Both sexes have about the same home range size. Average home range is 0.9 hectares, with home ranges ranging in size from 0.5 to 1.2 hectares. The average density in these home ranges is 0.4 possums per hectare. (Collett, 1995; Runice, 2000a; Runice, 2000b)

Rock ringtail possums use chemical signals to communicate most extensively. Adult possums have an important scent gland on the chest region and males have a 2 cm diameter paracloacal gland. They maintain scent posts that are visited commonly. These scent posts develop a thick, lacquer-like coating. Rock ringtail possums use both urine and feces to mark these areas. These possums are also thought to mark tree branches using their paracloacal gland. Rock ringtail possums have been observed striking their tails against rocks, possibly as a form of communication. The species also is able to make grunts and growls that serve as auditory communication. (Collett, 1995; Runice, 2000a)

Rock ringtail possums feed in trees, they commonly feed within 100 meters of their rocky outcrop homes. This species eats leaves, fruit, blossoms, flowers, and occasionally feed on termites. THe blossoms of Darwin woollybutt, Eucalyptus miniata, and Darwin stringybark are all eaten by rock ringtail possums. Fruit is eaten from the following species: Zyziphus oenoplia, Vitex glabrata, Terminalia fernandiana, and Owenia vernicosa. Leaves eaten include: Flagelleria indica, Pouteria sericea, and vine reedcane. (Collett, 1995; Martin, 2002)

In order to avoid predations, rock ringtail possums spend a large amount of time participating in sentinel behavior. They will perch on branches or ledges and scan the area for danger. Rock ringtail possums will flee from predators to their more familiar rocky habitats where they will hide in rock crevices. When confronted they may make a low growl. Rock ringtail possums also beat their tails vigorously against tree branches, causing the entire tree to shake in order to attempt to deter predators and to warn others. Potential predators of rock ringtail possums include dingos, owls, quolls, feral cats and dogs, olive pythons, Oenpelli rock pythons, and humans. (Collett, 1995; Runice, 2000a; Runice, 2000b)

Rock ringtail possums may disperse seeds through their fruit eating habits. They may also influence termite populations and act as prey for regional predators. (Collett, 1995; Runice, 2000a)

Petropseudes dahli has likely been affected by human induced habitat fragmentation and its numbers have decreased significantly. The species is listed as a priority species in western Australia and management efforts may affect forestry management and development practice. (Collett, 1995; McKay, 1989)

Aboriginal peoples of the area used to capture this species. They utilized the animal both for its fur and as a food source. Rock ringtail possums are also important in education and research. (Runice, 2000b)

Petropseudes dahli is listed as priority species in Western Australia. (Australian Wildlife Conservancy, 2006)

Petropseudes dahli mothers may actually allow her young to move from branch to branch by using her body as a bridge. This has never been seen in another possum. This species also exhibits the uncommon habit of embracing their young, which is only seen in apes. They are also the only marsupial ever seen utilizing termite mounds. (Martin, 2002)