What is the lifespan of the ringtail possum?

Answer 1

Larger possums such as brushtail and ringtail possums can live up to 11 years if not taken by predators or hit by cars. They tend to have an average lifespan of 6-7 years.

Sometimes it depends on whether the possum is male or female.

For smaller species such as the Eastern Pygmy Possum, it varies hugely for males and females. Females average 11 years, but males usually only live to four years.

Virginia opossums, which are quite different to true possums, appear to have a maximum lifespan of four years, even in protective captivity. In the wild they are more likely to live only 1-2 years.

Answer 2

The North American Virginia opossum (often referred to as a 'possum) is very short lived. They usually live only to around age two in the wild and maybe up to four years in captivity.

If the question refers to true possums, which are marsupials found in Australia and nearby islands, it depends on the species. Some examples are listed below.

• The average life span of a ringtail possum is 5-7 years. If they are not taken by dogs or hit by cars, they can live a few years longer.
• The Leadbeater's possum is thought to for live up to 10 years, but very few specimens have been recorded as living beyond 5 years.
• Feathertail gliders, the smallest of the gliders (a type of possum) has a life expectancy of just 4 years in the wild.
• The lifespan of the Eastern Pygmy Possum varies hugely for males and females. Females average 11 years, but males usually only live to four years.

Answer 3

Once a year as far as I know ive only ever seen a joey a year on a possum

Answer 4

The average life span of a ringtail possum is 5-7 years. If they are not taken by dogs or hit by cars, they can live a few years longer.

Answer 5

30 to 40 years.

Answer 6

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