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Gray four-eyed opossum, or Guaki(Philander opossum)
Phylum —chordata
Class — mammalia
Order — didelphimorphia
Family — didelphidae
Genus—philander
Appearance
It has a sharply defined white spot above each eye, hence the common name. Its prehensile tail is bicolored, with a pale distal part and a longer proximal darker gray part, and is naked at the end. Its dorsal fur is gray, while its ventral fur, throat, and cheeks are cream-colored. Adults have ears that are black except at the base.
Wild specimens weigh 200–674 grams (7.1–23.8 oz), while captive specimens can weigh up to 1.5 kilograms (3.3 lb). Body length ranges from 22.0 to 33.1 centimeters (8.7 to 13.0 in) with a tail in a similar size range, 19.5 to 35.5 centimeters (7.7 to 14.0 in).
Habitat
Gray four-eyed opossums are found in Central and South America, ranging from southern Mexico to Peru, Bolivia and southwestern Brazil.
Behavior
Gray four-eyed opossums are solitary, nocturnal animals but can be active during the day. Although they are terrestrial, they are very good at climbing and swimming. These opossums build nests out of dry leaves in hollow trees, tree forks, fallen logs and in ground burrows. They roll up into a ball while sleeping and although their eyes are actually closed, the white patches of fur above their eyes gives them the appearance of an awake animal. Gray four-eyed opossums do not "play dead" like other opossum species. Instead they are aggressive and fight with potential predators. Some displays of aggression include opening the mouth wide and hissing loudly. Gray four-eyed opossums are known to be "the fiercest fighter of the opossums". They are not vocal animals, however, they communicate with a series of clicks, chirps and hisses.
Diet
Gray four-eyed opossums are omnivorous. They feed on small animals and vegetation, such as leaves, seeds, and fruits.
Reproduction
Gray four-eyed opossums are polygynous, which means that one male mates with multiple females. Breeding is typically during the rainy season, although they can breed year-round. More young born during the wet season when there is an abundance of fruit. Females produce 2-4 litters per year, however, many pouch young don't survive, especially during the dry months. An average litter size is 4-5 young. The average gestation period is 13-14 days. Young nurse in their mother's pouch until they are 68-75 days old. Once weaned, they stay in their mother's nest for a further 8-15 days before their mother becomes aggressive and expels them. Females become sexually mature at about 6-7 months. Males become sexually mature at around 7 months of age.
Gray four-eyed opossums may live up to 2.5 years in the wild. In captivity, these animals may live for up to 3.5 years.
In captivity
Opossums are easily tamed for a captivity and become completely whimsical. They like to sit on their keepers‘ hands and heads. It is an instinct kept from childhood, when they traveled on their mother's back.
In the process of education, opossums should not be punished. Any severe punishment can lead to aggression. Also, aggression can be shown when the opossum is constantly kept in the cage. The opossum must have daily contact with a human if you want it to be tamed.
Opossums are excellent climbers and they do not have any difficulty in climbing up a tree, or on a wardrobe. Therefore, the apartment will need to organize special devices so that the animal can climb them.
It is no more difficult to train opossums to go to a toilet than to train a cat or a ferret. Put the tray next to their sleeping place, as well as in those rooms where you walk the animal.
Opossums do not require frequent bathing. A healthy opossum has no smell. Opossums are quite clean animals and take care of their skins.
The animal should be placed away from heating means (battery, microwave), be protected from drafts, as well as from direct sunlight.
The lifespan of opossums depends directly on their nutrition. Opossums will not live long if you feed them only factory-produced feed. The opossum's diet should consist of natural fresh or frozen foods, but in no case of ready-made feed. Also, the opossum cannot be fed beef and pork. In captivity, the animal is given chicken meat, boiled eggs, cottage cheese, fruit (mainly apples). Fruit can be given 2-3 times a week. Also, the menu of the animal should consist fish, mealworms, grasshoppers, cheese, yogurt and other dairy products, vegetable oil, nuts. Sometimes opossums are allergic to nuts. But this is rare.
The cage should be cleaned as often as possible (at least once a week). Opossums need constant access to water.
The opossum is a nocturnal animal, and they sleep during the day. However, domestic opossums often adapt to the rhythm of their owner's life.Also, opossums have a low body temperature - and because of this, they do not have fleas.
