In their wild habitat this species is considered common and of least concern.

Natural Distribution

They are a tropical species that is native to South America. They are usually found living in dry rocky areas at the edge of rainforests in Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay. They are solitary animals who establish a relatively small territory and often live out their lives in only 2 acres or less. Short-tailed Opossums are often described as being nocturnal but we find that ours are a lot more active during the first few hours after twilight. We seldom notice much activity during the midnight hours but occasionally we see them being active just before dawn, which makes me think that they are more of a crepuscular species. They typically build their nests using leaves and twigs in rock crevices and in hollows of trees. They are also known to venture into people’s dwellings and abandoned buildings. They are one of the few wild species that seem to benefit, from the habitat disturbances that we humans cause. Many indigenous people welcome the S.T.O.s into their dwellings to help keep insects and other types of pests under control.

Status in Captivity

During the 1980s, S.T.O.s were imported into North America to be used for scientific research in labs. Before long a few hobbyists discovered how unique they were and what a wonderful disposition they had that it wasn’t long before they made their way into the Pet Trade. During the 1990’s more people became fascinated with this unusual animal and a select group of breeders started to promote them as pocket pets. In North America and Europe, Short-tailed Opossums are still considered as a relatively new type of pet and are still considered rare in captivity but they are becoming increasingly popular pets. While the demand for them as pets is steadily climbing, do to the scarcity of this unique species we feel that it is very important to be extremely selective when placing them into pet homes. We prefer to sell them as pairs to Specialty Pet Enthusiasts who have a keen interest in selective breeding.

As a result of selective breeding practices, new colour morphs are beginning to appear. New colour morphs are a work in progress but now if you search hard enough, you’ll be able to find rosy breasted, pied and a few other colour mutations.

Appearance

At a quick glance Short-tailed Opossums could be mistaken for a type of arboreal rat. Although their tail is semi prehensile, to some people it might be described as almost rat like in appearance. Their tails are not as whip-like as a rat’s tail and they use their tails in a number ways. Their tail can be used to carry nesting material back to their dens or to help with balance when they are hunting prey on small branches. In the wild type variety, their fur is grey to somewhat of a charcoal grey colour.

Short-tailed Opossum males are typically larger than their female counterparts. Body measuring in at 10-15cm and their tail is an additional half the body length. Weight is typically around 90-155g. Females weigh around 80-100g. Short-tailed Opossums are marsupials but unlike many marsupials all ‘new world’ marsupials lack the pouch. Instead of the security of a pouch the babies attach themselves to a teat. Then the teat swells in their mouth, which helps them, to anchor themselves to their mother’s belly. They remain holding on and attached until they can walk around and cling onto their mother independently. They have excellent nocturnal eyesight, an acute sense of smell and large hairless ears that are capable of hearing minute sounds.

When these senses are combined it makes them an ideal nighttime predator.

Sexual Dimorphism

Males are typically larger than females and have a visible descended scrotum. Females have 13 teats.

Life Expectancy

In captivity they can live between 5-6 years. In the wild Short-tailed Opossums live on average 2 – 2.5 years. Though they are successful predators that prey on insects, and other small creatures, they are still considered a prey species for many larger predators. Generally males tend to have a shorter life span than females simply because they are more likely to be injured during mating. S.T.O.s are extremely territorial and don’t like the company of other members of their own species. Even during their natural breeding season females will often attack their male suitors.

Nutritional Requirements/Diet

Short-tailed Opossums are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders. If it is alive and they can catch it, they’ll eat it. If it is already dead they will consume it. They feed primarily on insects, small mammals, small lizards, amphibians, crustaceans, eggs, birds, fruit, nectar, plant matter and terrestrial non-insect arthropods (worms). We feed ours a balanced diet consisting of no grain highly palatable protein kibble, cheeses, eggs, chicken, shrimp and small bits of human grade meats. All of the meat we feed is fully cooked and unseasoned. We do not feed live food and while many breeders still do feed insects, baby birds and mice, we do not feel that it is necessary. Over the years we have fed live foods that when offered, our S.T.O.s would consume readily. When we switched their diets to cooked meat we did not notice a difference in behaviour but noticed that more of their babies thrived and reached maturity. Perhaps this is a coincidence? Perhaps the live insects and animals somehow endangered the lives of the babies by injuring them while the mother was chasing them or perhaps the insects and other species passed on harmful bacteria or viruses? Maybe we will never know why this change in mortality happened but we are happy with the choice we made to switch to fully cooked animal protein. In addition to animal protein we feed a variety of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. Our S.T.O.s drink water from a water bottle and a water bowl. The benefit of the water bottle is that the water stays cleaner longer and open water dishes provide a bit more humidity into the environment. Our animals will use either types and both have their own advantages. No matter which water system you choose it is important that fresh, clean water is available at all times. S.T.O.s do drink a lot of water.

Temperature and Humidity Requirements

Short-tailed Opossums are from tropical and sub-tropical semi-forested areas and clearings within the rainforests. When we humans think of the rainforest, we naturally think hot but this is not always the case. When you live in the under-story of a forest the temperature is more constant and because of the shade that trees provide, it is usually much cooler than in open areas. An STO prefers to build their nest in dry places but the humidity in the air is almost always humid. Ideally, Short-tailed Opossums are comfortable when kept around 20 –22 degrees Celsius or a bit higher and the humidity level should be in the medium range (around 40% to 50%). Most often during the summer months providing extra humidity isn’t required, unless you live in drier regions of the country. But during the colder winter months when forced heated air is used to heat our homes the air is drier. Then we lightly mist our S.T.O cages, with R.O. water, every couple of days. Because we use a humidifier, I am not entirely sure that they need the extra misting but ours sure do seem to enjoy it. When a mother has babies attached to her, being that they lack a pouch, the babies are somewhat exposed and therefore rely on mom and the external temperature to keep them warm. If mom has babies on board we recommend keeping the ambient room temperature at a little higher than normal range (22-24 degrees Celsius).

Housing

Short-tailed Opossums are extremely anti-social with other members of their own species and must be kept housed in separate cages. While they are solitary and territorial animals, they do develop strong bonds with their keepers. They are best housed in an open-air cage with hamster like wire spacing. Some people choose aquariums or terrariums that are fitted with a tank-topper. Always choose the biggest habitat that you can fit into your space and make sure it is of a size that you can comfortably manage at cleaning time. Be sure it is large enough to add lots of things for your S.T.O. to climb on and lots of toys to explore. They all require an exercise wheel, a water bowl and a sleeping hut for the pets to nest in and clean fresh nesting material. Trying to mimic their natural environment would definitely add to the animal’s health and happiness. Always be sure to add things for them to investigate and to help keep them stimulated. Make sure that whatever you give to your pet is safe. When you choose to use bedding instead of a cage liner; aspen, hay or ‘Carefresh’ all appear okay to use. While not always practical for many pet owners, some people use cage liners. STO’s are very clean animals. Most of our S.T.O.s are potty trained and they have done that on their own.

Behaviour in Captivity

I can not stress enough that Short-tailed Opossums must be housed separately. When frightened they have a tendency to display aggression by opening their mouths wide while making a clicking/hissing sound. This can seem rather intimidating but most of it is bluff. I have never been bitten by an S.T.O. in the past 15 years. With constant interaction especially when started at a young age, Short-tailed Opossums will bond with their keepers. We find that males tend to be more relaxed than females and seem a little calmer. S.T.O.s are not aggressive chewers. They tend to be more of a gatherer and are constantly picking things up by using their tails to carry things back to their nest.

Grooming

Short-tailed Opossums need very little in the aspect of grooming. Proper husbandry and keeping temperature and humidity levels at adequate levels should be sufficient. They are self-groomers and mothers will clean her young until they are ready to be weaned.

Keeping Short-tailed Opossums with other pets

Never leave your S.T.O. unattended with other pets. Not many species of small animals have any type of advanced natural defense strategies and STOs don’t stand much of a chance when attacked by a larger animal. Normally whenever they are frightened the Short-tailed Opossums will use bluff, play dead or attempt to flee. They are small enough to become prey for predatory type animals such as a dog, a cat, ferret, snake or medium size lizards etc.. Yet they are large enough to be considered a predator animal and will prey upon other small pets such as mice, hamsters, birds, small snakes and lizards etc. AGAIN …Never leave your S.T.O. unattended with other pets!