Different Marsupials

Marsupials are considered to be in the infraclass of mammals. They are characterized by their distinctive pouch, which is used for females to carry their offspring. The three most common marsupial animals are: kangaroos, possums and koalas.

Kangaroos are endemic (ecological state of being unique to a particular geographic location) to the continent of Australia. Kangaroos are not farmed but some wild ones are hunted for meat, sport and the protect grazing land for sheep or other various farm animals. The kangaroo is a national symbol for Australia. Since they are marsupials, they have a large pouch in their stomach region which can be used to hold their young.

The largest in the possum family is the Common Brushtail Possum. Along with the kangaroo, this breed of possum is also a native of Australia. The Common Brushtail possum is nocturnal. During the day, possums usually sleep in a den in a hollow tree. Also being a marsupial, possums carry their offspring in a pouch in their body as well.

Last is the koala. The koala is the thickest arboreal marsupial herbivore that is native to Australia. Koalas are normally found in the coastal regions of eastern and southern Australia. Populations extend for considerable distances inland in regions with enough moisture to support suitable woodlands. Koalas usually eat eucalypt leaves. With their offspring, koalas will keep them in their pouch and, when they’re bigger, the parent koala will usually carry the child on their back.