Читать книгу Fauna of Australia. Photo Album 2020. - Romans Arzjancevs - Страница 13

– During cold weather, especially below about 6° C (43° F), Tasmanian pygmy possums have the ability to enter torpor. While in this state, body temperature drops, and oxygen consumption falls to just 1% of normal.

– In captivity, Little Pygmy-possums have been paired, but they are usually solitary in the wild. Because of their small size, pygmy-possums have a difficult time maintaining a high body temperature when it’s cold or when there is not enough food available.

– Cercartetus lepidus takes about 20 minutes to regain full activity after being in the torpor state (Collins, 1973). Cercartetus lepidus is a nocturnal animal that stays in its nest under dense cover during daylight.

– Little pygmy-possums also prey on a wide range of invertebrates including spiders, scorpions, and insect larvae. Small lizards are also included in their diet. The little pygmy-possum secures the prey with its forepaws and tears away portions with its teeth. Daily food consumption is about 7% of its body weight.