Contrary to popular belief, Australia’s common brushtail possums, often considered herbivores, are actually scavengers that feast on animal carcasses, especially during the colder months. Recent research has revealed the flexible and opportunistic feeding habits of these marsupials, shedding light on the complex dynamics of ecosystem nutrient cycling. This study highlights how understanding the scavenging behavior of herbivores like possums can inform more effective wildlife management, particularly in regions where they are considered invasive pests, such as New Zealand.
The Scavengers’ Feast
Typically, the diners who benefit when carcasses are left to nature include dingoes, but also ravens and foxes. One study found that the common brushtail possum, which is often considered herbivorous, is in fact a highly successful scavenger (photo by Thomas Trest)
It focused on both alpine and temperate sites in New South Wales, Australia where researchers employed remote cameras to observe scavenging possums eating fresh eastern gray kangaroo remains. In fact possums were one of the top scavengers — far ahead of even some more traditionally known carcass consumers.
Habitat and Seasonality
The scientists found that possum scavenging habits was season and habitat dependent. However possums only scavenged in temperate regions, where food resources were scarce during the winter months. This was significantly less than during the warmer months from summer to autumn although, in the alpine regions where food is lacking all year possums generally scavenged during their extended activity phases throughout the year.
Regardless of where they lived, possums mostly scavenged under closed canopy habitats like woodlands because the trees afforded them protection from predators and other scavengers. This illustrates the importance of knowing which exact environmental cues drive feeding behaviour in these very flexible marsupials.
Tapping Into the Secrets of Ecosystem Nutrient Cycling
It contributes vital nutrients including protein, calcium and phosphorus that are in short supply from their usual herbivorous diet, the researchers suggest. In times of food scarcity, or carnivores–those that obtain animal-based nutrients–it may be very particularly important for them.
The research also highlights the need for scavenging in functioning ecosystems. Consumers: Possums serve as scavengers by feeding on carcasses, but they also help return nutrients back into the system via a complex web of life form between carnivores and herbivores. Such studies help us to understand the scavenging behaviors of herbivores such as possums, which in turn provides facts regarding the subtleties of food webs and material movement between ecosystems.
