Mountain pygmy possum  (Burramys parvus)

Species information

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This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact: arkive@wildscreen.org.uk

Glossary

  • Hibernate: a winter survival strategy characteristic of some mammals in which an animal's metabolic rate slows down and a state of deep sleep is attained. Whilst hibernating, animals survive on stored reserves of fat that they have accumulated in summer. In insects, the correct term for hibernation is 'diapause', a temporary pause in development and growth. Any stage of the lifecycle (eggs, larvae, pupae or adults) may enter diapause, which is typically associated with winter.
  • Marsupial: a diverse group of mammals characterised by their reproduction. The embryo is born 11-35 days after conception. The tiny newborn crawls into the marsupium (pouch) and attaches to a teat where it stays for a variable amount of time. They also differ from placental mammals in their dentition.
  • Natal: site of birth
  • Prehensile: capable of grasping.
  • Torpor: a sleep-like state in which the body processes slow to a fraction of their normal rate.

References

  1. IUCN Red List (October, 2002) http://www.redlist.org
  2. Animal Diversity Web (June, 2002) http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/burramys/b._parvus$narrative.html
  3. Animal Info (June, 2002) http://www.animalinfo.org/species/burrparv.htm
  4. Melbourne Zoo (June, 2002) http://www.zoo.org.au/conservation/MpygmyPossum.htm
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