Hubbry Logo
Common opossumCommon opossumMain
Open search
Common opossum
Community hub
Common opossum
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Contribute something
Common opossum
Common opossum
Common opossum
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia
For the possum of North America, see Virginia opossum. For other related terms, see Possum (disambiguation).

Common opossum[1]
In an urban area of Caracas, Venezuela
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Infraclass: Marsupialia
Order: Didelphimorphia
Family: Didelphidae
Genus: Didelphis
Species:
D. marsupialis
Binomial name
Didelphis marsupialis
Common opossum range
Synonyms

Didelphis marsupialis marsupialis

The common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis), also called the southern or black-eared opossum[2] or gambá, and sometimes called a possum, is a marsupial species living from the northeast of Mexico to Bolivia (reaching the coast of the South Pacific Ocean to the central coast of Peru), including Trinidad and Tobago and the Windwards in the Caribbean,[2] where it is called manicou.[3] It prefers the woods, but can also live in fields and cities.

Habitat and shelter

[edit]

This opossum is found in tropical and subtropical forest, both primary and secondary, at altitudes up to 2,200 m (7,200 ft).[2] They use a wide range of nest sites. Most commonly they will create one in the hollow of a tree; however, they will also dig a burrow or nest in any dark location if nothing else is suitable (which often gets them in trouble with humans). Opossums enjoy denning underground, but do not spend as much time underground when it is dry season.[4] Common predators of the opossum are humans, house pets (e.g. dogs and cats), and birds.[5] When they are in danger, they act dead, also called 'playing possum.'[6]

Description

[edit]
Skeleton, Natural History Museum of Genoa

The common opossum is similar in size to a house cat. The fur of the opossum is actually yellow in the under-fur, but is hidden by the longer black guard-hairs that cover it, while the tail, fingers, and face are lighter "with the tail being without fur, somewhat similar to a giant rat tail".[citation needed] It can measure nearly 20 inches (51 cm) long. It has large ears that are usually black, and its face is usually a pale peach in color, with black whiskers and eyes that reflect reddish in light. With a body length of nearly a foot, and a tail that can reach almost two feet, the common opossum is one of the larger members of its family. An adult can weigh more than three pounds.

Behavior

[edit]

Their activity is mainly nocturnal and terrestrial, with some arboreal exploration and nesting. Outside of mating, they are usually solitary. A male opossum's home range (distance traveled at night) can vary in size from wet to dry seasons while a female has a more stationary home range when she is breeding.[4] Males are most active between 11 pm and 3 am at night.[7] They are considered pests due to their somewhat raccoon-like behavior. Raiding trash cans, nesting in locations that are not suitable, and causing mayhem if encountered within a human living space, they are often trapped and killed. Opossums have not been observed to be territorial.[4] The common opossum is a host of the acanthocephalan intestinal parasite Gigantorhynchus lutzi.[8]

Common predators of the opossum are humans, dogs, and some birds.[5] When they are in danger, they act dead; this is commonly called "playing possum".[6]

Diet

[edit]

Common opossums have a broad ability to adapt to environmental changes, and their teeth allow them to eat many different types of food, which is obtained mostly on the ground. They can eat insects (such as beetles and grasshoppers)[9] and other invertebrates (such as earthworms),[9] small vertebrates (toads [such as cane toads], snakes [such as South American rattlesnakes], birds [such as lance-tailed manakins], and small mammals),[9] fruits, vegetables, nectar,[9] and also carrion. In urban areas, they may find articles of food in compost piles and garbage cans.[10] Their ability to digest almost anything edible gives them a broader range than a human.

Reproduction

[edit]

The female will have five to nine offspring between one and three times per year after maturity. The mother raises the young by herself. The common opossum can mate for the majority of the calendar year. They do not mate for life.[11] Female opossums can give birth to at most 24 infants, however, only a third of them usually survive. Young opossums stay with the mother for the first few months of their lives and reach maturity before they are a year old.[citation needed]

Lifespan

[edit]

The common opossum lives for around two to four years maximum.[12]

Classification

[edit]

They are members of the genus Didelphis, which contains the largest American opossums, and the order Didelphimorphia, to which most Western hemisphere opossums belong (excluding the seven species of shrew opossums). The common opossum is currently not an endangered species.[13]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Common opossum

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis), also known as the southern or black-eared opossum, is a medium-sized belonging to the family Didelphidae, characterized by its robust body, thick grayish-brown fur with a paler underbelly, a whitish face marked by a dark mid-dorsal stripe, large black-ringed eyes, prominent ears, and a long that aids in climbing. Adults typically measure 265–430 mm in head-body length, with tails around 395 mm, and weigh 1–6 kg, exhibiting where males are generally larger than females. Native to the Neotropics, this adaptable nocturnal and solitary plays a key ecological role as an opportunistic and seed disperser across diverse habitats. Widespread from northeastern through to northern and introduced to some islands, the common opossum thrives in tropical and subtropical forests, agricultural lands, and even urban fringes below 2,000 meters elevation, avoiding extreme aridity or high altitudes. It is highly adaptable to human-modified environments, often utilizing hollow trees, burrows, or dense vegetation for shelter, with males maintaining larger home ranges (up to 123 hectares) than females (around 16 hectares). Behaviorally, it is primarily terrestrial but scansorial, at night for a varied diet that includes , small vertebrates, fruits, leaves, , eggs, and carrion, shifting seasonally to exploit available resources such as garbage in urban settings. Reproduction is polygynous and flexible by , occurring one to three times annually with peaks in rainy seasons; after a short 13–15-day , litters of 2–20 underdeveloped young are born and carried in the mother's pouch for about two months before clinging to her back until at 90–125 days, with females reaching at 6–7 months. Notable adaptations include resistance to certain snake venoms, a defensive "playing possum" response involving immobility and foul odor secretion from anal glands, which helps avoid confrontations with predators and humans. Although it can serve as a reservoir for pathogens such as Trypanosoma cruzi (causing Chagas disease) and Leptospira bacteria (causing leptospirosis), the common opossum poses minimal risk to humans, being shy and non-aggressive with bites occurring rarely and only if cornered or protecting young. It provides significant ecological benefits through by consuming insects and rodents, , and seed dispersal. Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its broad distribution, large population, and tolerance of alteration, the species faces localized threats from and road mortality but remains abundant.

Taxonomy and evolution

Classification

The common opossum, scientifically known as Didelphis marsupialis Linnaeus, 1758, is a originally described by in his . This binomial name reflects its placement within the genus , which encompasses large American opossums characterized by robust builds and adaptable omnivorous diets. The type locality was initially designated as "America" but later restricted to Surinam by Oldfield Thomas in 1911. In the taxonomic hierarchy, the common opossum belongs to the kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, infraclass Marsupialia, order Didelphimorphia, family Didelphidae, and genus Didelphis. This classification positions it among the American opossums, a group distinguished by their pouch-bearing reproductive system and primarily nocturnal habits. The family Didelphidae includes approximately 125 species, with Didelphis representing the largest members. Phylogenetically, Didelphimorphia represents the oldest surviving order of marsupials, having diverged from other marsupial lineages approximately 69-80 million years ago during the . Within this order, the common opossum's closest relatives are other species in the genus , such as the (D. virginiana), sharing a common ancestry that traces back to early Neotropical radiations. Historically, D. marsupialis has been grouped within the "black-eared opossums" subgroup of Didelphis, alongside species like D. aurita, based on shared morphological traits such as prominent ear markings and cranial features.

Subspecies

The common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) is currently regarded as monotypic in major taxonomic checklists, with no formally recognized . This view reflects the lack of consistent morphological or genetic boundaries sufficient for across its broad Neotropical range. Historically, however, up to a dozen names have been proposed based on geographic variation in body size, pelage coloration (e.g., darker in humid regions versus paler in drier areas), and cranial features such as row length and skull robustness. Key examples include the nominal D. m. marsupialis, distributed in northern (e.g., , , and ), which serves as the type form with moderately sized individuals and grizzled grayish-brown ; and D. m. caucae from western and , characterized by slightly shorter tails and paler underparts. Subspecies recognition in earlier studies relied primarily on geographic isolation and subtle phenotypic differences observed in specimens from isolated populations. More recent genetic analyses, however, reveal complex Neotropical diversity, including multiple mitochondrial haplogroups and high nuclear variability suggestive of cryptic lineages rather than discrete . As of 2025, no major taxonomic revisions have elevated these forms to full species status, though ongoing genetic research underscores urban in some populations, with evidence of high and ecological flexibility in human-dominated landscapes. A 2024 study on Colombian populations confirmed extensive , supporting the monotypic status.

Description

Physical characteristics

The common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) is a robust, cat-sized with a total length ranging from 650 to 930 , comprising a head-body length of 265–430 and a tail averaging 395 . Adults weigh between 1 and 6 kg, with males averaging 1.2 kg and females 1.03 kg in some populations, though higher averages of 4–6 kg have been reported elsewhere. The body build features a long , large black ears, and a whitish face accented by prominent dark rings around the eyes. The dorsal fur is dark grayish-black, composed of yellow underfur interspersed with long black guard hairs that give a somewhat disheveled appearance, while the ventral fur is cream or yellow. The face is pale peach in tone, and the is prehensile and mostly furless, aiding in grasping. The common opossum possesses 50 teeth, following the dental formula I5/4, C1/1, P3/3, M4/4. Sexual dimorphism is evident, with males generally larger than females and exhibiting longer canines as well as prominent , including anal glands used for communication.

Adaptations

The common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) possesses a that is primarily naked, scaly, and slightly longer than the body, enabling it to grasp branches and facilitate for balance and support during climbing. This is crucial for navigating forested environments, allowing the animal to carry objects or suspend itself briefly from substrates. Its sensory adaptations include an acute , which aids in locating sources and detecting environmental cues during activities. Additionally, the hind feet feature an opposable hallux, functioning as a , which enhances grip on branches and supports efficiency alongside sharp claws on all digits. The common opossum also exhibits resistance to neurotoxins from venoms, such as those of rattlesnakes and lancehead vipers ( spp.), due to circulating serum inhibitors that neutralize metalloproteinases and C-type , preventing effects like hemorrhage and platelet aggregation. Reproductive adaptations include a in females, a fur-lined pouch containing approximately nine teats where newborn joeys develop post-birth, providing protection and nourishment during their initial vulnerable stages. Males lack a pouch but possess a bifurcated , a characteristic marsupial trait that aligns with the female's divided reproductive tract for copulation. The species has a diploid chromosome number of 22, contributing to its genetic stability within the Didelphidae family.

Distribution and habitat

Geographic range

The common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) is native to the Neotropical region, with its range extending from southern (Tamaulipas and ) southward through —including , , , , , , and —to northern . In , it occurs across , , , , , , , , (including the central ), , and northern (such as ). The species is typically found at elevations up to 2,200 meters, though it avoids extreme high altitudes and arid zones. The current distribution of the common opossum results from post-Pleistocene dispersal events, during which southward expansions were facilitated by climatic fluctuations and the shifting availability of tropical forest habitats. It remains absent from and the higher elevations of the , as well as certain isolated regions like the extreme of . Historically, the species has been introduced to various islands, including , and has shown natural expansion into disturbed and urbanized areas. As of , the common opossum is widespread throughout the Neotropics and demonstrates notable adaptability to urban fringes, with documented presence in cities across and , where it exploits anthropogenically altered environments. Population densities tend to be higher in disturbed landscapes compared to pristine forests, though no precise global estimates exist; overall, populations are considered stable and the species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Habitat preferences

The common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) inhabits a variety of ecosystems, primarily tropical and subtropical forests, including primary, secondary, and gallery types, as well as savannas and floodable habitats. It shows high tolerance for disturbed environments, such as agricultural fields (e.g., pastures, cacao, , and plantations) and urban edges, where it coexists with human activity. These preferences reflect its status as a habitat generalist, avoiding only arid, semi-arid, and extremely high-elevation zones. For shelter, the common opossum utilizes tree hollows, underground burrows (either excavated by itself or abandoned by other animals), dense vegetation, and the canopy of large trees like palms or figs. In human-modified areas, it readily occupies structures such as attics, ceilings, and buildings, demonstrating strong synanthropic tendencies. It generally avoids open water bodies but selects microhabitats near water sources, such as streams or gallery forests, to support its needs. Elevation limits for the species typically reach up to 2,000–2,200 m, with populations concentrated in lowlands but extending into montane areas in regions like . Seasonally, individuals may shift toward drier or elevated microhabitats during wet periods to evade flooding in low-lying areas, while relying on alternative sources like troughs when streams dry in the late . The common opossum excels in urban adaptation, thriving in anthropogenically altered landscapes and exhibiting increased population densities in cities, where it scavenges from trash and exploits sources. Recent studies from 2024 highlight its genetic resilience and spatial structuring within urban matrices in northwestern , underscoring growing urban populations amid habitat modification.

Behavior

Activity patterns

The common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) exhibits a strictly nocturnal , emerging from its diurnal resting sites approximately one hour before sunset to commence activity. Peak activity occurs between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m., during which individuals and move within their home ranges, aligning with reduced predation risk and optimal environmental conditions for a nocturnal . During daylight hours, the opossum retreats to sheltered locations such as tree cavities, burrows, or dense to rest. Locomotion in the common opossum is primarily terrestrial, employing walking and bounding gaits for efficient ground across forests, grasslands, and urban edges. It is also adept at arboreal , utilizing sharp claws and a for navigating trees and escaping threats, though such movements are secondary to ground-based activities. Seasonal activity patterns in the common opossum show no evidence of long-distance migration, with individuals remaining within established areas year-round; however, local movements increase during periods of to locate alternative resources. Breeding activity, which influences overall mobility, varies by : near the , there is an extended breeding season with multiple litters, while in higher latitudes (up to 25°S), it is confined to 6–9 months, typically aligning with wet seasons and peak resource availability. Home ranges reflect in ranging behavior, with males averaging 123 hectares and females 16.3 hectares (±8.2 ha), and overlaps occurring minimally outside of periods to minimize competition.

Social structure and defense

The common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) exhibits a predominantly solitary , with individuals maintaining overlapping home ranges but rarely interacting outside of brief periods or mother-offspring associations. Territorial aggression is minimal, limited primarily to scent marking using , , , or secretions to delineate ranges rather than active defense against intruders. The primary social bond occurs between mothers and their young, where joeys remain in the pouch for about 60 days before transitioning to riding on the mother's back; this dependency lasts until at around 100 days, during which the offspring learn and survival skills. Group dynamics are absent in the form of packs or dominance hierarchies, reflecting the ' solitary ; however, rare opportunistic aggregations may occur at abundant food sources, though these are transient and lack structured . Communication primarily relies on olfactory cues via for marking territories and signaling reproductive status, with visual displays being uncommon due to the animal's nocturnal activity patterns. Vocalizations include hisses, growls, and screeches during agonistic encounters, as well as softer clicks used in mother-joey interactions to maintain contact during separation. In terms of defense, the common opossum employs a multi-layered strategy beginning with auditory and postural warnings, such as hissing, , teeth-baring, and excessive to intimidate threats, followed by if cornered. As a primary escape mechanism, it readily climbs trees or other structures to evade pursuit, leveraging its and agile arboreal adaptations. If these fail, the animal resorts to thanatosis, or "," an involuntary catatonic state triggered by extreme stress; during this response, the opossum feigns by lying immobile with eyes and mouth open, releasing foul secretions to deter further interest, lasting from less than a minute to up to six hours.

Diet and foraging

Food sources

The common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) is an opportunistic with a diet comprising approximately 63.5% animal matter and 22.9% plant matter by volume, based on fecal analysis in northern . Animal matter primarily consists of such as (e.g., beetles, ) and earthworms, accounting for the majority of this category, while vertebrates include small mammals, birds, amphibians like toads, and reptiles such as snakes—including rattlesnakes, to which the opossum exhibits partial resistance to . Plant matter encompasses fruits, leaves, and from flowers. Opportunistic feeding extends to carrion, bird eggs, and nestling chicks when available, allowing dietary flexibility in varying environments. In urban settings, individuals may consume garbage and as supplementary items. Dietary composition shows seasonal variation, with fruits, snakes, and toads comprising a larger proportion during wet seasons due to increased availability, while insects remain a year-round staple; during dry seasons, consumption shifts toward small vertebrates like mammals and s. Nutritionally, the opossum requires high protein intake from invertebrates and vertebrates to support reproduction and growth, facilitated by a broad, unspecialized gut adapted for processing diverse food types without specialized digestion.

Foraging strategies

The common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) exhibits opportunistic foraging as both a scavenger and active hunter, adapting its methods to exploit a wide array of resources across terrestrial and arboreal environments. It systematically searches through ground litter and leaf debris for hidden prey, frequently climbing trees and shrubs to reach fruits, nectar, and arboreal insects, which allows access to vertically stratified food sources. This species relies prominently on its acute sense of smell to detect carrion, invertebrates, and ripe fruits from a distance, supplemented by tactile exploration with its sensitive whiskers and forepaws. Specific techniques include pouncing on mobile prey such as and small vertebrates, using its opposable hind for grip during pursuits, and employing its clawed forepaws to dig shallowly into or substrate for buried roots, grubs, and earthworms. It also raids and small nests to consume eggs and nestlings, leveraging its nocturnal habits to minimize detection. Primarily active from to dawn, with peaks between 1900–0200 hours, this timing reduces overlap with diurnal competitors and predators, enabling efficient exploitation of twilight and nighttime resources. In urban settings, common opossums readily scavenge from trash receptacles and , incorporating waste as a readily available supplement. Foraging efficiency is characterized by low energy demands, with individuals traversing an average of 1 km per night within stable home ranges spanning 11–123 ha depending on sex and season, allowing coverage of diverse patches without excessive movement. Food caching is rare, as the species consumes items immediately upon discovery to meet its high metabolic needs. Ecologically, these strategies contribute to , particularly of like through gut passage and fur adhesion, promoting forest regeneration. Additionally, by preying on , , and venomous reptiles, common opossums help regulate pest populations in both natural and anthropogenized landscapes. Recent analyses indicate urban diet shifts, with comprising a substantial portion in modified habitats.

Reproduction

Breeding system

The common opossum exhibits a polygynous , in which one male mates with multiple females while competing intensely for access to receptive individuals, without forming lasting pair bonds. Females are polyestrous and can be receptive multiple times annually, with estrous cycles typically lasting 25–32 days. Breeding seasonality in the common opossum varies significantly with and local conditions, such as patterns. Near the , reproduction occurs year-round, enabling up to three litters per female annually, whereas in higher latitudes (e.g., around 25°S), the breeding period shortens to about six months, often from March to October or in discrete pulses like January–March, June–August, and October–December. In montane regions like the Venezuelan , births peak during drier periods in January–March and April–June, with a secondary minor peak in August–October, reflecting adaptations to resource availability. The gestation period is notably brief at 13–14 days, facilitating rapid reproductive turnover. Reproductive fertility is constrained by the female's pouch anatomy, which contains up to 13 teats, though typically around 9 are utilized for . Litter sizes vary from 2 to 20 altricial young at birth, but survival is limited to the number of available teats, as newborns must attach immediately to a to obtain nourishment; excess young perish shortly after birth. In observed populations, average litter sizes range from 5 to 8 young that successfully attach. Courtship behaviors are minimal in the common opossum, with males primarily tracking receptive females via scent cues from glandular secretions, leading to opportunistic encounters during the brief estrus window of about 36 hours. Copulation itself is short, often occurring in late evening or early morning sessions that last from minutes to a couple of hours.

Offspring development

The common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) gives birth to altricial young after a of 13-15 days, with newborns measuring approximately 1 cm in length and weighing about 0.13 g; they are , hairless, blind, and deaf at birth. Females typically produce litters of 2-20 young, but only 5-9 viable offspring attach to the 9 available teats in the pouch, as limits survival to about one-third of those born. Litter sizes tend to be smaller near the equator due to resource limitations. The young remain firmly attached to the teats within the mother's pouch for 50-70 days, during which they grow rapidly, developing fur and opening their eyes around 40-60 days; they begin short excursions from the pouch at about 70 days. After emerging fully, the joeys cling to the female's back for protection and transport until at 90-125 days, often coinciding with periods of abundant . Independence follows shortly thereafter, around 4-5 months of age, with the young reaching at 6-8 months for females and up to 10 months for males. The offspring attain adult body size within the first year. Parental care is provided exclusively by the female, who nurses and protects the young in her pouch and later carries them on her back during ; males offer no involvement after . Juvenile mortality is high due to factors such as failure to secure a , predation, and post-weaning challenges.

Lifespan and mortality

The common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) exhibits a short lifespan typical of many small marsupials, influenced by environmental pressures and physiological traits. In the wild, individuals commonly live less than 2 years, with averages ranging from 1 to 2 years based on long-term field observations. Maximum recorded in natural settings reaches approximately 3 years, though few achieve this due to high juvenile and adult mortality rates. Recent Neotropical studies, including a 2024 analysis of rehabilitated populations, confirm that lifespans under 2 years predominate, with no notable updates on trends reported in 2025. In captivity, common opossums generally survive 3 to 4 years, benefiting from reduced predation and consistent resources, though maximum longevity is documented at 4.2 years in zoo records. Anecdotal evidence suggests rare instances extending beyond 4 years, but verified captive maxima do not exceed this threshold significantly. Health challenges further impact longevity; common opossums are susceptible to a diverse array of parasites, with at least 11 helminth species and numerous protozoans recorded across populations, including zoonotic agents like Trypanosoma cruzi. Despite this, the species demonstrates notable resilience to physical injuries, often recovering from wounds through behavioral adaptations such as thanatosis (feigning death) and rapid healing observed in captive studies.

Predators and causes of death

The common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) faces predation from a variety of natural enemies across its range in Central and . such as and hawks frequently target , particularly during nocturnal activity. Mammalian carnivores including foxes, dogs, and ocelots also prey on them, with ocelots being a notable threat in forested habitats due to their opportunistic hunting. Reptilian predators like snakes, including venomous species, contribute to mortality, though opossums exhibit some resistance to certain viper venoms. Juveniles are especially vulnerable to smaller predators such as and small vertebrates shortly after leaving the pouch, when their size limits escape options. Beyond predation, several abiotic and biotic factors contribute to mortality in common opossums. Starvation becomes a during dry seasons when availability declines, prompting shifts in diet toward scarcer resources like small mammals and birds. occurs in flooded areas, particularly affecting arboreal individuals displaced by heavy rains. Diseases, especially internal parasites such as helminths and protozoans, reduce overall fitness by causing , debilitation, and chronic infections; prevalence can exceed 50% in some populations. Vehicle collisions represent a significant non-human , as opossums' nocturnal often intersects with roads. No major epizootics affecting large populations have been reported as of 2025. Mortality rates are particularly high among juveniles, with studies on related opossum species indicating 60-80% death within the first few months post-weaning due to predation and environmental stressors. Adults face an estimated 50-75% annual mortality risk from combined natural factors, though survival improves with experience and access to cover. These rates underscore the species' r-selected life history strategy, emphasizing high reproduction to offset losses. Thanatosis, or feigning death, serves as a key defense mechanism that enhances survival during predator encounters by inducing predator disinterest; experimental and observational studies demonstrate its efficacy in reducing attack continuation and overall predation success, particularly against mammalian and avian predators. This behavior, triggered by intense stress, involves and physiological changes that mimic a deceased state.

Conservation and human interactions

Conservation status

The common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) is classified as Least Concern on the , reflecting its widespread distribution across Central and South America and lack of major threats. This status was assessed in March 2016 and amended in 2021, with no further updates or changes reported as of November 2025. The species' adaptability to disturbed habitats, including urban and agricultural areas, contributes to its overall stability, allowing it to persist where more specialized mammals decline. Global population trends show no evidence of decline, with the species maintaining stable or locally increasing numbers due to its opportunistic nature. Abundances are notably high in urban environments, where individuals thrive amid human development. A 2024 genetic study in northwestern Colombia analyzed 66 individuals using mitochondrial DNA and microsatellites, revealing high genetic diversity (expected heterozygosity H_e = 0.858) and no significant spatial structure, indicating viable populations with effective gene flow despite urbanization. The common opossum receives no species-specific legal protections but benefits from broad wildlife regulations in range countries such as , , and . It is not listed on the appendices, as international trade does not pose a threat. Monitoring efforts rely on platforms like and camera trap surveys, which document occurrence and track responses to urban expansion across its range. No subspecies are considered endangered.

Human relations and threats

The common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) is not dangerous to humans. It is a shy, non-aggressive marsupial that prefers to avoid confrontation, often employing thanatosis (playing dead) when threatened. Bites are rare and typically occur only if the animal is cornered or protecting its young. In Honduras, it is known locally as tacuazín, zarigüeya, or tlacuache. While it can carry parasites or diseases (e.g., leptospirosis, Trypanosoma cruzi), the overall risk to humans is minimal, and the species is beneficial for controlling pests like insects and rodents. The common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) often interacts with humans in agricultural and urban settings, where it is frequently viewed as a pest due to its opportunistic feeding habits. It raids garbage dumps near human dwellings and forages in crop fields, including plantations of cacao, , and bananas, leading to conflicts with farmers. Additionally, its nocturnal scavenging behavior increases encounters with vehicles, making it one of the most common species in parts of , such as . As a reservoir host for , the parasite responsible for , the opossum poses a zoonotic risk; rates in wild populations can reach up to 48%, facilitating transmission to humans via insect vectors in endemic areas. Despite these conflicts, the common opossum provides ecological benefits that support human environments. Its diet, which includes , small , and snails, enables natural , reducing populations of agricultural and urban nuisances without chemical interventions. The species also aids by ingesting fruits like those of trees and transporting seeds via fur or scat, promoting forest regeneration in disturbed habitats. In urban ecosystems, recent studies highlight its role in maintaining through scavenging and pest regulation, as noted in 2024 analyses of synanthropic mammals in Latin American cities. Culturally and economically, the common opossum holds significance in Amazonian riverine communities, where it is hunted for its meat—regarded as tasty and tender—and fur, contributing to local trade despite legal restrictions on wild animal . Its fat is traditionally extracted and applied in folk medicine to treat ailments such as , , and sore throats, reflecting indigenous knowledge passed down in societies. In indigenous folklore across and southern , the opossum appears as a clever figure, embodying wit and survival through deception in oral traditions. Emerging threats to the common opossum stem primarily from human activities, though its adaptability mitigates some impacts. As a generalist, it tolerates secondary forests and urban edges, rendering a minor concern compared to more specialized species. However, secondary poisoning from rodenticides used in urban and agricultural is widespread, causing morbidity and mortality in exposed individuals. The pet trade has negligible effects, with illegal captures focused more on food than companionship. may drive range shifts, potentially expanding distributions northward in under warming scenarios while contracting in some tropical strongholds.

References

  1. https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Didelphis_marsupialis/
  2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4167517/
  3. https://www.scielo.br/j/jvatitd/a/PJwY43mswHyXQvTCMy5xP9b/?format=html&lang=en
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Browser/wwwtax.cgi?mode=Info&id=9268
  5. https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/html/F723B76CFFD9FFF2FFF61177F6A28110
  6. https://www.mammaldiversity.org/taxon/1000021/
  7. https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Didelphimorphia/
  8. https://bioone.org/journals/bulletin-of-the-american-museum-of-natural-history/volume-455/issue-1/0003-0090.455.1.1/An-Annotated-Checklist-of-Recent-Opossums-Mammalia-Didelphidae/10.1206/0003-0090.455.1.1.full
  9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15475160/
  10. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-jul-28-la-sci-marsupial-20100728-story.html
  11. https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/full/10.1079/cabicompendium.84946
  12. https://www.departments.bucknell.edu/biology/resources/msw3/browse.asp?id=10400041
  13. https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/html/03A487D6FFEBFFFEAFA03D8BFCEFFB11
  14. https://www.gbif.org/species/2439920
  15. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/272091048_The_Systematics_of_the_genus_Didelphis_Marsupialia_Didelphidae_in_North_and_Middle_America
  16. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42991-024-00434-2
  17. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6024663/
  18. https://www.britannica.com/animal/common-opossum
  19. https://www.livescience.com/56182-opossum-facts.html
  20. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8186456/
  21. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8522506/
  22. https://www.thoughtco.com/opossum-facts-4687601
  23. https://www.genomesize.com/result_species.php?id=4166
  24. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/d190/f3b005fba140dcfc128c5e325730d3c1e546.pdf
  25. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/zsc.12306
  26. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11872772/
  27. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8599228/
  28. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/230103813_Variation_in_the_latitudinal_reproductive_patterns_of_the_genus_Didelphis_DidelphimorphiaDidelphidae
  29. https://sta.uwi.edu/fst/lifesciences/sites/default/files/lifesciences/documents/ogatt/Didelphis_marsupialis%20-%20Common%20Opossum%20or%20Manicou.pdf
  30. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4528478/
  31. https://thesis.unipd.it/retrieve/26ac38f9-b638-4e98-81da-1648e1349472/Tesi_Anja_Finke.pdf
  32. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/356572479_Notes_on_the_behavior_of_opossum_Didelphis_sp_in_the_wild_in_Usumacinta_Canyon_Mexico
  33. https://www.mossyoak.com/our-obsession/blogs/predator/common-nest-predators-how-to-deal-with-them
  34. https://primarilypossums.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/sunquist1987.pdf
  35. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/225473458_Reproduction_of_Didelphis_marsupialis_Didelphimorphia_Didelphidae_in_the_Venezuelan_Andes
  36. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1442-9993.2006.01562.x
  37. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34105649/
  38. https://www.scielo.br/j/bjb/a/gbyxMsp9RTtFsZ4k6Qnnsjd/
  39. https://genomics.senescence.info/species/entry.php?species=didelphis_marsupialis
  40. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00436-021-07072-4
  41. https://www.jstor.org/stable/2423733
  42. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW471
  43. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11841172/
  44. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1152183/
  45. https://ufdcimages.uflib.ufl.edu/AA/00/03/76/82/00001/AA00037682.pdf
  46. https://bioone.org/journals/the-american-midland-naturalist/volume-151/issue-1/0003-0031%282004%29151%255B0154%253APCOVOI%255D2.0.CO%253B2/Population-Characteristics-of-Virginia-Opossum-in-the-Cross-Timbers-During/10.1674/0003-0031%282004%29151%5B0154:PCOVOI%5D2.0.CO%3B2.short
  47. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5769822/
  48. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/40501/197310576
  49. https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/42649-Didelphis_marsupialis
  50. https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/cabicompendium.84946
  51. https://www.learngala.com/cases/costa-rica-wildlife-crossings/8
  52. https://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-019-3541-5
  53. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/271806037_Seed_Dispersal_of_Cecropia_obtusifolia_by_Two_Species_of_Opossums_in_the_Selva_Lacandona_Chiapas_Mexico
  54. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11252-024-01642-x
  55. https://ethnobiomed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1746-4269-10-65
  56. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25209094/
  57. http://www.native-languages.org/legends-opossum.htm
  58. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39222805/
  59. https://academic.oup.com/jmammal/article-abstract/105/1/85/7344344
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
Contribute something
User Avatar
No comments yet.