Woolly Opossum

They are smaller than the common opossum with a longer slender body. They have thick, ‘woolly’ hair which is a greyish/reddish color. Their tail has fur about halfway up and then is naked with different pigments.

Taxonomy: (Caluromys derbianus)

Spanish Name: Zorro de balsa

Conservation Status: Least concern

Distribution: From southeastern Mexico to Columbia and Ecuador. There are subspecies that are defined by their range.

Behavior: From southeastern Mexico to Columbia and Ecuador. There are subspecies that are defined by their range.

Diet: Omnivores, eating mainly insects and small invertebrates, fruits, seeds, flower parts, and possibly carrion (decaying meat).

Reproduction: Generally polygynous, males will compete for females, but not a lot is known or reported on this species’ mating behavior. Gestation is about 21 days, longer than many other opossum species (13 days) and are weaned and independent around 4 months. Young are generally sexually mature at 7-9 months.

Threats: Deforestation is a threat, but they do have a large range that will help maintain their populations. They are preyed upon by ocelots, margays, and jaguarundis.