Marsupials | Marsupialia

Marsupials | Marsupialia

Description
Description

Marsupials are mammals characterized by the pouch the mother has for raising and protecting her young, also known as joeys. Marsupials are most commonly associated with Austrailia, because that’s where the well-known Kangaroos and Koalas are found, but marsupials, specifically the opposum, are also found in North, Central, and South America. Some species of marsupials are herbivores, while others are insectivores or carnivores.

Marsupials typically live alone, except in the mating season, and the females will raise the joeys alone. Most marsupial mothers, expect for the Kangaroo and Koala, give birth to multiple young at a time. Marsupials play an important role in their environment: they spread seeds, pollinates, eat pests and vermin, and can aid the creation of habitats for other creatures by helping to loosen up soil for burrowing animals.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Marsupials, a unique group including kangaroos, koalas, and wombats, are distinguished by their reproductive process. Females typically have pouches, where their underdeveloped offspring, called "joeys", complete their growth. Most have powerful hind legs, with kangaroos using them for impressive leaps. Their bodies range from the tree-climbing agility of the koala to the burrowing expertise of the wombat. Many marsupials are nocturnal, with sharp senses of smell and hearing aiding their nighttime activities. Their vocalizations vary: kangaroos grunt and cough, while koalas produce distinctive bellows. With diverse adaptations, marsupials have conquered various habitats, from dense forests to arid outbacks.

Human Interaction
Human Interaction

Marsupials, mainly associated with Australia, have been integral to its indigenous cultures, representing spiritual significance and providing resources. To the wider world, they've become iconic symbols of Australia's unique wildlife. Kangaroos and koalas feature prominently in pop culture, from children's stories to tourism campaigns. The boxing kangaroo is a national symbol, while "Skippy the Bush Kangaroo" became a beloved TV show.

However, habitat destruction, introduced predators, and climate change pose threats. Conservation efforts include habitat restoration and protective legislation. The plight of koalas during recent bushfires drew global attention, underscoring the urgent need to protect these unique creatures and their habitats.

Common Questions
Common Questions
What do marsupials eat?

A marsupials’ diet depends on its species, teeth, and habitat. Marsupials can be omnivores, herbivores, carnivores, or insectivores. For example, bandicoots, Australian possums, and American opossums are omnivores, while wombat, kangaroos, and koalas are herbivores. Marsupials typically eat bugs, smaller mammals, birds, fruit, seeds, and eucalyptus leaves.

Why do marsupials have pouches?

Marsupials have pouches that are essential for the well-being of their offspring. After birth marsupials climb into the pouch and then latch into their mother’s nipple. The offspring continues to develop for 6 months inside pouch after birth, and receives the nursing and care required to later survive on its own.

Where do marsupials live?

Marsupials live in Australia, as well as North, Central, and South America. They are not picky with their habitats. They typically live in forests, savannas, and shrublands. Some species of marsupials live in desert-like habitats while some live in burrows.

Animals

* Under Development *

34”-40” | 86-102 cm
28”-33” | 71-84 cm
20-60 lb | 9-27 kg
10-14 years (wild); up to 15-17 years (captivity)
Agile Wallaby
102.000
84.000
27.000
17.00
67000
GUIDE
3D
Agile Wallaby
8”-13” | 20-33 cm
14”-24” | 36-61 cm
6.5-15 lb | 3-7 kg
8-11 years (wild); up to 17 years (captivity)
Common Spotted Cuscus
33.000
61.000
7.000
17.00
6700
GUIDE
3D
Common Spotted Cuscus
24”-28” | 61-71 cm
40”-45” | 102-114 cm
45-75 lb | 20-34 kg
5-12 years (wild); up to 20-30 years (captivity)
Common Wombat
71.000
114.000
34.000
30.00
149000
GUIDE
3D
Common Wombat
Koala
148000
15”-23” | 38-58
24”-36” | 61-91 cm
9-20 lb | 4-9 kg
8-12 years (wild); up to 16-20 years (captivity)
Koala
58.000
91.000
9.000
20.00
148000
GUIDE
3D
Koala
6”-8.5” | 15-22 cm
12”-17” | 31-43 cm
1.6-3.3 lb | .7-1.5 kg
2-4 years (wild); up to 5-6 years (captivity)
Long-Nosed Bandicoot
22.000
43.000
1.500
6.00
44000
GUIDE
3D
Long-Nosed Bandicoot
Numbat
11000
5”-7” | 13-18 cm
8”-11.5” | 20-29 cm
.6-1.25 lb | .3-.6 kg
4-5 years (wild); up to 8 years (captivity)
Numbat
18.000
29.000
0.600
8.00
11000
GUIDE
3D
Numbat
Quokka
190000
9.5”-13” | 24-33 cm
16”-21” | 41-53 cm
5-11 lb | 2.3-5 kg
8-12 years (wild); up to 13-15 years (captivity)
Quokka
33.000
53.000
5.000
15.00
190000
GUIDE
3D
Quokka
4’10”-6’10” | 147-208 cm
39”-63” | 99-160 cm
50-200 lb | 23-91 kg
8-16 years (wild); up to 25-27 years (captivity)
Red Kangaroo
208.000
160.000
91.000
27.00
132000
GUIDE
3D
Red Kangaroo
13.5”-17” | 34-43 cm
22”-28” | 56-71 cm
13-18 lb | 6-8 kg
4-6 years (wild); up to 8 years (captivity)
Tasmanian Devil
43.000
71.000
8.000
8.00
127000
GUIDE
3D
Tasmanian Devil
20”-27” | 51-69 cm
39”-51” | 99-130 cm
35-65 lb | 16-29 kg
5-7 years (wild); up to 8-11 years (captivity)
Thylacine
69.000
130.000
29.000
11.00
44000
GUIDE
3D
Thylacine
8”-11” | 20-28 cm
14”-19” | 36-48 cm
4-14 lb | 2-6 kg
2-4 years (wild); up to 6 years (captivity)
Virginia Opossum
28.000
48.000
6.000
6.00
8900
GUIDE
3D
Virginia Opossum
32”-58” | 81-147 cm
30”-55” | 75-140 cm
40-120 lb | 18-54 kg
12-18 years (wild); up to 20-22 years (captivity)
Wallaroo
147.000
140.000
54.000
22.00
7000
GUIDE
3D
Wallaroo
Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana)

The Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is a marsupial, and the only marsupial found north of Mexico. In the United States the Virginia Opossum is referred to as possum. Virginia Opossums are a dull gray-brown with the exception of their faces which are white. They have hairless, prehensile tails used to grab branches and carry small objects. Other characteristics are hairless ears, a long, flat nose, and opposable, clawless thumbs on their rear limbs. As omnivorous, the species eats a wide range of plants and animals like fruits, grains, insects, birds, and other small animals. When reacting to threats, the Virginia Opossum will feign death or “play possum”.

Virginia Opossums have a shoulder height of 8”-11” (20-28 cm), body length between 14”-19” (36-48 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 4-14 lb (2-6 kg). The tail of the Virginia Opossum is 10”-12” (25-30 cm) in length. Virginia Opossums have a typical lifespan of 2-4 years in the wild and up to 6 years captivity.

Dimensioned side view drawing of the Virginia Opossum with height and length
The Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is a marsupial, and the only marsupial found north of Mexico. In the United States the Virginia Opossum is referred to as possum. Virginia Opossums are a dull gray-brown with the exception of their faces which are white.

Virginia Opossums have a shoulder height of 8”-11” (20-28 cm), body length between 14”-19” (36-48 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 4-14 lb (2-6 kg). The tail of the Virginia Opossum is 10”-12” (25-30 cm) in length. Virginia Opossums have a typical lifespan of 2-4 years in the wild and up to 6 years captivity.

Dimensioned side view drawing of the Virginia Opossum with height and length
Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana)
Height:
8”-11” | 20-28 cm
Width:
Length:
14”-19” | 36-48 cm
Depth:
Weight:
4-14 lb | 2-6 kg
Area:
Tail Length
10”-12” | 25-30 cm
Scientific Name
Didelphis virginiana
Lifespan
2-4 years (wild); up to 6 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Virginia Opossum side elevation (standing), front (standing)

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Numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus)

The Numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus) is a marsupial that lives in areas of eucalypt forests in Western Australia; the species has been recently reintroduced to South Australia. The Numbat has a finely pointed muzzle and a prominent, bushy tail. They vary considerably in color from soft gray to red-brown, and there is often an area of brick red on the upper back. A black stripe runs from the tip of the muzzle through the eyes, to the bases of the small, round-tipped ears. There are between four and eleven white stripes across the animal’s hindquarters. As insectivores, the Numbat mostly eats termites.

Numbats have a shoulder height of 5”-7” (13-18 cm), body length between 8”-11.5” (20-29 cm), and an overall weight in the range of .6-1.25 lb (.3-.6 kg). The tail of the Numbat is 4.5”-8” (12-21 cm_ in length. Numbats have a typical lifespan of 4-5 years in the wild and up to 8 years in captivity.

Series of side and front elevation illustrations of the Numbat with length and height measurements
The Numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus) is a marsupial that lives in areas of eucalypt forests in Western Australia; the species has been recently reintroduced to South Australia. The Numbat has a finely pointed muzzle and a prominent, bushy tail. They vary in color from soft gray to red-brown.

Numbats have a shoulder height of 5”-7” (13-18 cm), body length between 8”-11.5” (20-29 cm), and an overall weight in the range of .6-1.25 lb (.3-.6 kg). The tail of the Numbat is 4.5”-8” (12-21 cm_ in length. Numbats have a typical lifespan of 4-5 years in the wild and up to 8 years in captivity.

Series of side and front elevation illustrations of the Numbat with length and height measurements
Numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus)
Height:
5”-7” | 13-18 cm
Width:
Length:
8”-11.5” | 20-29 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.6-1.25 lb | .3-.6 kg
Area:
Tail Length
4.5”-8” | 12-21 cm
Scientific Name
Myrmecobius fasciatus
Lifespan
4-5 years (wild); up to 8 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Numbat side elevation (standing), front (standing), side (upright), side (sitting)

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Common Wombat (Vombatus ursinus)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Common Wombat to a typical person

The Wombat (Vombatus ursinus) is a stocky and seemingly tailless burrower often found in the hilly countryside (of Australia). The Common Wombat has coarse hair, and gritty nose pad while the hairy-nosed wombat has silky fur, pointed ears, and a hairy nose pad.

A physical characteristic special to this marsupial is its growing, rootless teeth adapted to be durable given their diet. Herbivorous and mainly nocturnal, the Wombat will burrow itself in cultivated fields and feed on grasses, shrubs, and inner barks of trees. At times, rabbits will take shelter in the burrows of these marsupials.

Common Wombats have a shoulder height of 24”-28” (61-71 cm), body length between 40”-45” (102-114 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 45-75 lb (20-34 kg). The tail of the Common Wombat is 1”-2.5” (2.5-6.4 cm) in length. Common Wombats have a typical lifespan of 5-12 years in the wild and up to 20-30 years when protected in captivity.

Series of dimensioned side elevation illustrations of the Common Wombat
The Wombat (Vombatus ursinus) is a stocky and seemingly tailless burrower often found in the hilly countryside (of Australia). The Common Wombat has coarse hair, and gritty nose pad while the hairy-nosed wombat has silky fur, pointed ears, and a hairy nose pad.

Common Wombats have a shoulder height of 24”-28” (61-71 cm), body length between 40”-45” (102-114 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 45-75 lb (20-34 kg). The tail of the Common Wombat is 1”-2.5” (2.5-6.4 cm) in length. Common Wombats have a typical lifespan of 5-12 years in the wild and up to 20-30 years when protected in captivity.

Series of dimensioned side elevation illustrations of the Common Wombat
Common Wombat (Vombatus ursinus)
Height:
24”-28” | 61-71 cm
Width:
Length:
40”-45” | 102-114 cm
Depth:
Weight:
45-75 lb | 20-34 kg
Area:
Tail Length
1”-2.5” | 2.5-6.4 cm
Scientific Name
Vombatus ursinus
Lifespan
5-12 years (wild); up to 20-30 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Common Wombat side elevation (standing), front (standing), side (lying down)

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Long-Nosed Bandicoot (Perameles nasuta)

The Long-Nosed Bandicoot (Perameles nasuta) is a solitary and mainly nocturnal marsupial omnivore found in the regions of Australia, Tasmania, New Guinea, and neighboring islands. The Bandicoot’s body can be small to large-sized, characterized as portly and coarse-haired.

It has sharp teeth, a narrow snout, and hind legs that extend longer than its front limbs. In search for plants and insects, the Long-Nosed Bandicoot will dig funnel-shaped holes, often finding themselves deemed as pests by farmers for digging in fields and pastures. Types of Bandicoots include the long-nosed, short-nosed, pig-footed, and rabbit-eared (also known as bilbies).

Long-Nosed Bandicoots have a shoulder height of 6”-8.5” (15-22 cm), body length between 12”-17” (31-43 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 1.6-3.3 lb (.7-1.5 kg). The tail of the Long-Nosed Bandicoot is 5”-6” (13-15 cm) in length. Long-Nosed Bandicoots have a typical lifespan of 2-4 years in the wild and up to 5-6 years in captivity.

Collection of scaled drawings of Long-nosed Bandicoot in various poses
The Long-Nosed Bandicoot (Perameles nasuta) is a solitary and mainly nocturnal marsupial omnivore found in the regions of Australia, Tasmania, New Guinea, and neighboring islands. The Bandicoot’s body can be small to large-sized, characterized as portly and coarse-haired.

Long-Nosed Bandicoots have a shoulder height of 6”-8.5” (15-22 cm), body length between 12”-17” (31-43 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 1.6-3.3 lb (.7-1.5 kg). The tail of the Long-Nosed Bandicoot is 5”-6” (13-15 cm) in length. Long-Nosed Bandicoots have a typical lifespan of 2-4 years in the wild and up to 5-6 years in captivity.

Collection of scaled drawings of Long-nosed Bandicoot in various poses
Long-Nosed Bandicoot (Perameles nasuta)
Height:
6”-8.5” | 15-22 cm
Width:
Length:
12”-17” | 31-43 cm
Depth:
Weight:
1.6-3.3 lb | .7-1.5 kg
Area:
Tail Length
5”-6” | 13-15 cm
Scientific Name
Perameles nasuta
Lifespan
2-4 years (wild); up to 5-6 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Long-Nosed Bandicoot side elevation (standing), front (standing)

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Wallaroo (Osphranter robustus)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Wallaroo compared to an average person

The Wallaroo (Osphranter robustus) also called the euro, is a mammal that is similar to the kangaroo. The Wallaroo looks like a mix between the wallaby and kangaroo. They are native to Australia. Their diet mainly consists of grasses and shrubs. The Wallaroo is mostly nocturnal and solitary. During mating process, the two males fight to gain the attention of the female. As a Wallaroo’s teeth wear down, they will fall out. New teeth will then appear that will push the whole row forward.

Wallaroos have a standing height of 32”-58” (81-147 cm), body length between 30”-55” (75-140 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 40-120 lb (18-54 kg). The tail of the Wallaroo is 29”-36” (75-90 cm) in length. Wallaroos have a typical lifespan of 12-18 years in the wild and up to 20-22 years in captivity.

Set of dimensioned standing side elevation drawings of the Wallaroo
The Wallaroo (Osphranter robustus) also called the euro, is a mammal that is similar to the kangaroo. The Wallaroo looks like a mix between the wallaby and kangaroo. They are native to Australia. Their diet mainly consists of grasses and shrubs. The Wallaroo is mostly nocturnal and solitary.

Wallaroos have a standing height of 32”-58” (81-147 cm), body length between 30”-55” (75-140 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 40-120 lb (18-54 kg). The tail of the Wallaroo is 29”-36” (75-90 cm) in length. Wallaroos have a typical lifespan of 12-18 years in the wild and up to 20-22 years in captivity.

Set of dimensioned standing side elevation drawings of the Wallaroo
Wallaroo (Osphranter robustus)
Height:
32”-58” | 81-147 cm
Width:
Length:
30”-55” | 75-140 cm
Depth:
Weight:
40-120 lb | 18-54 kg
Area:
Tail Length
29”-36” | 75-90 cm
Scientific Name
Osphranter robustus
Lifespan
12-18 years (wild); up to 20-22 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Wallaroo side elevation (standing), front (standing), side (jumping)

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