Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Didelphimorphia
- Family
- Didelphidae
- Genus
- Didelphis
Habitat
The big-eared opossum primarily inhabits the Atlantic Forest regions of southeastern Brazil, including both lowland and montane forests. It prefers areas with dense vegetation, such as woodlands and shrublands, and can adapt to disturbed habitats like agricultural edges or urban fringes. They are often found near water sources for easy access to food and shelter.
Diet
The big-eared opossum is omnivorous, feeding on fruits, insects, small vertebrates like rodents and birds, and carrion. It forages primarily at night, using its keen sense of smell to locate food, and is an opportunistic eater that scavenges in both trees and on the ground.
Behavior
The big-eared opossum is nocturnal and solitary, spending its days in dens or tree hollows and becoming active at night to forage. It is highly arboreal, using its prehensile tail for climbing and balance, and exhibits thanatosis, or playing dead, as a defense mechanism when threatened. They are not strongly territorial but may defend food sources from others of their kind.
Conservation Status
The IUCN status of the big-eared opossum is Least Concern, with a stable population trend, though habitat loss due to deforestation and urbanization poses a significant threat.