Fergusson island striped possum
Tate's triok, also known as the Fergusson Island striped possum (Dactylopsila tatei ), is a species of marsupial in the family Petauridae. It is endemic to Papua New Guinea. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry forests.
Tate's triok is quite small, measuring from 12-31 inches long and weighing between 3-25 ounces. The species usually has black fur with two white stripes that run along its back, resembling a skunk. They also have a short tail with a white coloration at the tip.
Tate's triok are arboreal and are rarely found on the forest floor. The species tend to stay in their dry leaf nests in hollows of trees during the day. Tate's triok is also nocturnal and only come out at night to find food. The species are insectivores but can occasionally be found chewing on tree bark or eating fruits and leaves.
Tate's triok do not form social groups. The species tend to live alone in their trees and can become territorial against other members of their species. Tate's triok will use their unpleasant odor to warn other striped possums to stay out of their area.
Tate's triok, along with other marsupials, do not have well-developed placenta and so their young are born underdeveloped. In order for the organism to survive, the young has to continue to grow in their mother's pouch for a certain amount of time after birth. Each mother only has two teats and so only two offspring can be born at a time to ensure that both babies would get enough nutrients to survive.
