Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Didelphimorphia
- Family
- Didelphidae
- Genus
- Caluromys
Habitat
This species primarily inhabits tropical rainforests and secondary forests in Central and South America, from Mexico to Bolivia. They prefer dense, humid environments with plenty of tree cover, often residing in the canopy layer. They are adaptable to disturbed habitats but require arboreal structures for shelter and movement.
Diet
The Brown-eared woolly opossum feeds on fruits, insects, and small vertebrates like lizards or frogs. They are nocturnal foragers, actively searching for food in trees during the night. They may also consume nectar and pollen, supplementing their diet with plant materials.
Behavior
Brown-eared woolly opossums are nocturnal and arboreal, spending most of their time climbing in trees and being active at night. They are solitary animals with overlapping home ranges, showing territorial behavior through vocalizations and scent marking. They exhibit agile movements and use their prehensile tails for balance while foraging.
Conservation Status
The IUCN classifies the Brown-eared woolly opossum as Least Concern, with a stable population trend. Major threats include habitat loss from deforestation and agriculture, though it is not currently facing significant decline.