Pseudocheirus occidentalis
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
The Western Ringtail Possum faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat fragmentation and loss of its specialized peppermint tree habitat in southwestern Western Australia. Urban development, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure projects have reduced and isolated remaining populations, while introduced predators like foxes and cats pose additional mortality risks. Climate change threatens the species' narrow coastal distribution, with increased fire frequency and changing rainfall patterns affecting the eucalyptus woodlands essential for their survival.
Habitat
The Western Ringtail Possum inhabits coastal peppermint (Agonis flexuosa) woodlands and shrublands in southwestern Western Australia, particularly favoring areas with dense canopy cover. They also utilize adjacent eucalyptus woodlands and mallee scrublands, requiring continuous tree cover for movement and nesting in tree hollows.
