These unique possums only occur in the south-west of WA and feed exclusively on nectar and pollen from native flowering plants. Their long tongue has a brushed surface which they pick up pollen by licking the inside of flowers. Honey possums are mostly nocturnal and will spend the day sleeping inside grass trees and even old bird nests. They do not have a specific breeding season and may have two litters per year. They have the longest sperm of any mammal. As their diet is so specialised honey possums can only survive in habitats with high plant diversity with flowering occurring year round. They are important pollinators for many coastal plants.
Click on the image thumbnails to view high resolution images:
Common name: Honey Possum
These unique possums only occur in the south-west of WA and feed exclusively on nectar and pollen from native flowering plants. Their long tongue has a brushed surface which they pick up pollen by licking the inside of flowers. Honey possums are mostly nocturnal and will spend the day sleeping inside grass trees and even old bird nests. They do not have a specific breeding season and may have two litters per year. They have the longest sperm of any mammal. As their diet is so specialised honey possums can only survive in habitats with high plant diversity with flowering occurring year round. They are important pollinators for many coastal plants.
Click on the image thumbnails to view high resolution images: