Gray Short-tailed Opossum
Monodelphis domestica
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Didelphimorphia · Didelphidae
About
The gray short-tailed opossum is a small South American member of the family Didelphidae. Unlike most other marsupials, the gray short-tailed opossum does not have a true pouch. The scientific name Monodelphis is derived from Greek and means "single womb" and the Latin word domestica which means "domestic". It was the first marsupial to have its genome sequenced. The gray short-tailed opossum is used as a research model in science, and is also frequently found in the exotic pet trade. It is also known as the Brazilian opossum, rainforest opossum and in a research setting the laboratory opossum.
Fun Fact
Grey short-tailed opossums were the first marsupials to have their genome fully sequenced, and they can regenerate heart tissue after injury — a capability being studied for human cardiac medicine.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Dry forests and scrublands
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
2-4 years
Threats
- Wildfire
- Illegal Logging