(Pseudocheirus Occidentalis or Ngwayir) 

These cute little possums are a species of their own. Only found in the South West of Western Australia, as far north as Dawesville near Mandurah, and all the way down south to the Leeuwin—Naturaliste. They are also found in the Upper Warren near my hometown of Manjimup and as far east as Waychinicup National Park near Albany. But mostly they reside near Busselton in the peppy forest, which is their favorite food, along with Jarrah, Marri and Tuart trees. 

The Western Ringtail Possum has a strong prehensile tail which aids them in many ways including the transport of nesting material for the ‘Dreys’ they build in the upper story of the trees. They also require hollow logs and loss of habitat is the ongoing threat to this species. Clearing for building and inappropriate fires along with the problem of feral predators and traffic has pushed these unique creatures onto the critically endangered list and they are considered most likely to become extinct.  

The possum breeds in winter with a gestation of 3 months, the joey then living in the pouch for 6-7 months. Solitary creatures, they usually only have 1 joey but twins happen and very rarely triplets.  

They have two thumbs and three fingers and are notably a very different colour to other ringtail species with small round ears. Weighing in at only 1kg and measuring only 40 cm with a tail that is an extra 40 cm, they are rather small. 

Reena Lee Creations supports local wildlife organizations.